
0 


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4209 


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TO THE GOVERNOR. 


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-O t 




FIRST ANNUAL REPORT 


OF THE 


COMMISSIONER OF^ 

@ © IMMIGRATION^ 


OF SOUTH DAKOTA. 




1 890 ’^ 






























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mjim of sout^ d^otti. 

.1 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT 

t ■ A£. & 

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-V ^ 

OF THE 


(?OTQn}ISSIOPR o^EQUPPTIOI) 


AND EX-OFFICIO 


STATE STATISTICIAN. 

> 


TO THE GOVERNOR. 

1890 . 



ABERDEEN, SOUTH DAKOTA: 
DAILY NEWS, PRINTERS AND BINDERS. 
1890. 














•t> jr 4u. aun*^ 

JUN 12 ly|4 














5 TA TE OF SOUTH DA ICO TA , 
Department op Immigration and Statistics. 


Pierre , December 15th, 1890. 


To His Excellency , The Governor , 

HQN. ARTHUR C. MELLETTE, 


Executive OJpice, Pierre. 

SIR:— 

I have the honor to submit herewith the First An¬ 
nual Report of the Commissioner of Immigration , in 
compliance with the law. 

Very Respectfully , 

Your obedient servant , 

F. H. HAGERTY , 

Commissioner of Immigration, and ex-officio, State Statistician. 








REPORT OF 



O.MjMLSSIONER OF IMMIGRATION. 


The following report of the work and general opera¬ 
tions of this office during the past year is submitted with 
a full appreciation that all has not been done that ought 
to have been, but that the duties, as they have been un¬ 
derstood, have been rendered faithfully, commensurate 
with the means at hand and the opportunities presented. 
Owing to the limited appropriation made for the contem¬ 
plated expenses of the office—which was perhaps made 
necessary by the circumstances attendant upon the start¬ 
ing of the machinery of our State government—not all 
has been accomplished that was desired. The field of 
operations is so large, and the work to be done so great, 
that to have covered the one and to have performed per¬ 
fectly the other would have entailed an expenditure far in 
excess of that provided for. Yet it is believed that, bar¬ 
ring the ordinary faults of omission and commission, every¬ 
thing has been done that could have been, and certainly 
the results, while not completely satisfactory, are all that 
ought to be reasonably expected. 

The actual labor which has been performed in this 
office has been directed toward a single object—the sett¬ 
ing forth to the civilized world of the many valuable re¬ 
sources of our State, and the consequent advantages of¬ 
fered to the settler and home-seeker everywhere. The de¬ 
tails of this work have been so multifarious that they can 
hardly be described. This office has given its undivided 
time and attention to the subject of how to accomplish 





6 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


the greatest results by the least possible expenditure of 
the limited means at its command. Some items of the 
work are worthy of mention. 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION. 

First, every opportunity has been embraced to be¬ 
come thoroughly and familiarly acquainted with every 
locality in the State, with all of its contained resources 
and advantages. The local columns of the State news¬ 
papers are carefully scanned and every descriptive article 
and every item of interest and information clipped and 
preserved. Letters of inquiry are frequently sent out and 
the replies filed away. Interviews with travelers and 
prospectors are frequently had, and sometimes tours of in¬ 
vestigation are made, without expense to the State. The 
opinions ol foreign journals are always sought after. All 
past records bearing upon the subject have of course been 
mastered, and in short every item, however insignificant, 
is sought to be utilized. 

PREPARING PRINTED MATTER. 

The greatest care is exercised in the preparation of 
every sort of advertising matter sent out. Often an ad¬ 
vertisement for insertion in the newspapers and magazines 
is given whole days of attention and consideration, though 
it may not exceed a dozen lines in extent. Pamphlets 
and circulars are prepared with all possible care, with a 
view of giving the most information in the least space, 
and with the smallest expense. Sometimes an idea is 
entertained and worked upon for a considerable period, 
to be rejected at last. In a few instances experiments 
are tried which fail and prove unprofitable, save that a 
wholesome experience is gained. It is hoped that fewer 
mistakes of this kind will be made in the future, and in¬ 
deed it is but the truth to say that no effort has been ab¬ 
solutely barren of results, Immediate returns are not 





COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


/ 


always to be had, but the leaven works, nevertheless. 
Methods of others are watched and studied, and often 
adopted. The advertising agents of railroad companies 
and other corporations having lands to dispose of, are 
clever in their specialties, and their plans are often worthy 
of lmmutation. Sometimes they in turn borrow our ideas 
and profit by our example. Where possible, advantage 
is taken of assemblages of a national or important char¬ 
acter, to distribute advertising matter and publish our just 
claims to the consideration of mankind. Of course no 
reprehensible or illegitimate means are employed, and it 
is the boast of this office that in the thousands of pounds 
of printed matter sent out, describing and advertising our 
State, there has not been, to our knowledge, an exagger¬ 
ation or misrepresentation, and certainly not a single 
willful misstatement of fact. 

COMPETITION IN OUR WORK. 

In a certain sense we have had and still have compe¬ 
tition in our work. Other States are contending with us 
in direct, open and fair rivalry for immigration and the de¬ 
velopment of virgin territory. Washington, Oregon, 
Idaho, Montana, and our sister North Dakota, are all in 
the field with earnestness and enthusiasm. It is gratify¬ 
ing to be able to say that so far we have at least held our 
own in the contest, and trust to be able in the future not 
to weary in well-doing. It is not too much to expect with 
all confidence, that our Legislature will second our efforts 
and strengthen our hands for the work before us. 

HAS THE OFFICE PAID V 

What has been accomplished in the one short year 
of the existence of this office under State government ? 
Has our work been for good? Has the sum of $5,000 
appropriated for the use and expenditures of the Immi¬ 
gration office been wisely and judiciously used? Have 



8 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


the results justified the expectations? These are ques¬ 
tions which the authorities and the people have a right to 
ask, and shall be answered promptly and fully. Without 
hesitation, and at the same time without any sort of 
boasting or over-confidence—for there is abundant evi¬ 
dence to support the truth of the claim—it is claimed that 
everv one of the foregoing questions are only to be an¬ 
swered affirmatively. 

It goes without saying that the population of the 
State has been increased 50,000 during the past two years; 
that capital has come in and found investment; that new 
enterprises have been established, and that substantial 
progress has been made in the development of every 
quarter of our area. The Immigration office claims that 
it has been directly and immediately instrumental in 
bringing about this result. Innumerable instances may 
be cited where settlements have been made in the State 
as the result of the work of this office. How many more 
have been made, that we cannot prove are chips from our 
hewing, but which really are, we cannot say. The tons 
of printed matter sent out, as seed scattered abroad, have 
produced fruit in the shape of hundreds of written inqui¬ 
ries, not only to this office but to friends of the writers in 
the State, and it can easily be shown that as a result 
many settlements and locations have been made already, 
and that many more are in contemplation. 

The advance that has been made in the development 
of the tin industry in the Black Hills can be attributed in 
part to the work and efforts of this office. By steadily 
and persistently keeping before the world, in our official 
publications, the fact of the existence of tin in the Hills, 
attention was drawn to the matter and investigations were 
made, with the result of establishing new industries and 
the setting on foot of further developments of our tin and 




COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


9 


other mineral resources. Certain of our publications have 
contained arguments in favor of a protective tariff for the 
tin interests of the country, and there are reasons for the 
belief that the provisions in the McKinley bill on this sub¬ 
ject were partly inspired by the persistency with which the 
matter was presented and urged to the attention of the 
people and through them upon Congress. This subject 
is referred to more in detail elsewhere in this report; but 
it may be permissible to say that in this single particular 
alone, of advertising the existence of our tin mines, the 
Immigration office has far more than paid its way. Al¬ 
though the import duty laid on tin by the tariff may not 
have met with universal approval throughout the country, 
the fact remains that our tin deposits have been most 
liberally advertised and general attention attracted thereto, 
which was at least one object had in view by this office. 
Of course this particular work is not complete, for the 
possibilities to be accomplished in the development of our 
stannic deposits are yet very great. 

In the matter of immigration it may be repeated that 
the population of our State has been increased the past two 
years fully 50,000 or about 15,000 families. Of this num¬ 
ber of families the Immigration office claims that it se¬ 
cured, in one way or another at least one thousand, or 
one-fifteenth of the whole. Doubtless the number is 
largely in excess of one thousand, but the lowest possible 
estimate is given. The resultant benefit to the State from 
this addition to its population cannot well be estimated. 

WORKING UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 

It must be borne in mind that all of the important 
progress made in the State the past year has been in the 
face and in spite of adverse influences. The two preced¬ 
ing years we experienced unprecedented drouths and dry 
seasons. The drouthy years of 1888 and 1889 will ever 



IO 


FIRST ANNUM. REPORT OF THE 


be remembered. The record of these years was spread 
broadcast over the country, the actual facts, however, 
being grossly misrepresented, and the injuries sustained 
largely overestimated. Under all the circumstances, the 
gain we have made the past year has been most import¬ 
ant and valuable, and ought to be entirely satisfactory to 
the reasoning and considerate. The year just passed we 
have had, taking the State over, an average crop, and a 
repetition of the trying periods mentioned will perhaps 
never again be experienced. 

Summing up, therefore, our work and its results, we 
may reasonably claim, without unduly extolling either 
element, that the maintenance of this office has been of 
much real and lasting benefit. Had it been better 
equipped and provisioned it might have accomplished 
more; but the experience gained will doubtless be of value 
to our young Commonwealth and its people, in the future 
and ultimately. 

SOME DETAILS OF THE WORK PERFORMED. 

To describe some of the details of the work of the 
office the past year, it may be stated that there have been 
issued 63,000 copies of advertising publications, including 
pamphlets, circulars, etc. All of these have been distrib¬ 
uted as judiciously as possible, except a small supply still 
on hand. An edition of 10,000 copies of a 64-page 
pamphlet, entitled “Facts about South Dakota”, was 
published in March and given wide-spread circulation. 
This publication, a cyclopedia of information reuardino- 
our State, has been in great favor, judging from the de¬ 
mands for it. 

OUR TIN INTERESTS. 

The information furnished by the publications of the 
office regarding the existence in the Black Hills, of tin 
and other metals, has directly led to inquiries, followed 





COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


1 I 


by investigations, which have already yielded evident, 
valuable and tangible results. As already mentioned, 
this feature of our work, alone, has already repaid the 
State for the appropriation made for the office, and ‘ ‘ the 
end is not yet." 

OUR ALLEGORICAL BANNERS. 

Mention ought to be made of the handsome and at¬ 
tractive lithographed hangers or banners issued by this 
office. These beautiful illustrations, typifying and repre¬ 
senting, after a somewhat allegorical and unique fashion, 
the condition of our bright young State, seem to have 
been well approved everywhere, and the office has received 
a great deal of favorable and flattering comment upon 
their character, from every part of the country. These 
banners, tinned, bound and ringed, have been distributed 
throughout every State in the Union, and they are con¬ 
sidered one of the very best and cheapest modes of ad¬ 
vertising, for the reason that they are really among the 
best specimens of the engravers art, and are preserved 
wherever received. They are to be found posted and 
displayed in hotels, postoffices, railroad depots, and other 
public places, all over the country—east, west, north 
and south. 

STATE MARS. 

The maps of the State, issued by this office, were 
corrected to the date of publication, showing the location 
of all the postoffices in the State; all of the railroads in 
operation and under construction; the several Indian res¬ 
ervations, in different colorings; with each county sepa¬ 
rately colored, etc., etc. On the bottom margin of each 
map appears a concise advertisement of the State and its 
attractions to the home-seeker and investor. These maps 
are reliable and authoritative, and perhaps are the most 
permanent and durable advertisements we have sent out. 






FIRST AN NT UAL REPORT OF TIIE 


I 2 


ANSWERING CALLS FOR INFORMATION. 


No adequate description of the work performed in 
responding to calls for printed information, in answering 
letters of particular inquiry, and of the correspondence of 
of the office generally, can be given. Every letter has been 
answered with all possible promptness, and even the most 
trivial requests have not been ignored. Our correspond¬ 
ence, in the aggregate, has been of immense volume, en¬ 
tailing not only great labor, but considerable expense. 

NEWSPAPER AND PERIODICAL ADVERTISING. 


From time to time we have sent copies of our publi¬ 
cations to all the leading journals of the United States, 
and thereby secured by quotations therefrom and com¬ 
ments thereon, a great deal of valuable advertising gratis. 
Following is an advertisement prepared and sent out by 
this office to leading journals, and which was inserted 
as per copy: 


SOUTH DAKOTA 


FREE 

IIOM KS 


government land and elieap deeded lands in this state, 
with itsgreat natural resources, agrieult ural and mineral 
Lands adapted to agricultural and grazing purposes 


Ml 

the 


GREAT SIOUX RESERVATION. 


subject to homestead entry, information about the re¬ 
sources, development indust ries, etc., furnished free, by 
F. H. Hackkty, Com. of Immigration, Aberdeen, S. 1). 


This advertisement was printed in 
twenty-five leading agricultural journals: 


the following 

o 


-NAMK OK PUISLICATION 

Maine Farmer. 

Mirror and Farmer. 

American Cultivator. 

New England Farmer. 

New England Homestead. 

Farm and Home... . . 

American Agriculturalist. 

Rural New Yorker. 

Farm .Journal. 

Practical Farmer. 

Southern Cultivator . 

Farm and Ranch . 

Home and Farm. 

Colman’s Rural World. 

Journal of Agriculture. 


l Ul’.I.ISU Kl) AT CIRCULATION 

.Augusta. Me. 9,5#0 

.Manchester, N. H. 27,600 

.Boston, Mass. 35,000 

.Boston, Mass. 14,500 

.Springfield, Mass. -.8,260 

.Springtield, Mass . 177,175 

.New York, N. V. H0,0(iO 

-New York, N. Y. 37,500 

.Philadelphia, Pa. 160,000 

.Philadelphia, Pa. 28,000 

>. ..Atlanta, Ga... 30,000 

.Dallas, Texas . ’ 35,000 

Louisville. Ky. 85,000 

.St. Louis, Mo. 19,500 

.St. Louis, Mo. 37,075 




































COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


Cultivator and Housekeeper. 




The Homestead. 


- 


Karin, Field and Stockman. 




Prairie Farmer_ 




Western Rural . 




Michigan Farmer. 




Indiana Farmer_ 




American Grange Bulletin. 




< Hiio Farmer. 




Farm and Fireside . . 



. 230,000 

Total circulation . 



. 1.300 ,680 


Also in the 4 'New \ ork Witness, and in the following 

. o 

magazines, having a circulation of 1,700,000: 


Atlantic Monthly 
Ballou's Monthly 
Cottage Hearth 
Demorest's Magazine 
Harper’s Magazine 
Ladies' Bazaar 
Overland Monthly 
Popular Monthly 
St. Louis Magazine 
Pleasant Hours 


Arthur’s Magazine 
Belford’s Magazine 
Current Literature 
Eclectic Magazine 
Herald of Health 
North American Recorder 
Outing 

Popular Science 
Season 
Wide Awake, 


American Art .Journal 
Century 

Domestic Monthly 
Godey’s Lady's Book 
Leisure Hours 
Our Little Ones 
1 ’eterson ’s M agazi 11 e 
St. Nicholas 
Vick’s Monthly Budget 


PUBLICATIONS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES. 

In addition to the 10,000 copies of the Cyclopedia of 
Information, printed in English, we published 5,000 copies 
of a pamphlet in Scandinavian, for distribution among the 
readers of that language. We also published 5,000 copies 
of a pamphlet in the Danish language. Our thanks are 
due Hon. F. Le Cocq, Jr., member of the House of Rep¬ 
resentatives of the last session, for valuable assistance in 
translating for publication the Danish pamphlet, and for 
otherwise assisting in its issue. It is confidently ex¬ 
pected that these publications, which have already been 
productive of good results, will eventuate in the bringing 
into our State a most desirable class of population. Al¬ 
ready there are many thousands of Scandinavians and 
Danes within our borders, and the, number may be in¬ 
creased to our general advantage. 
























T 4 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


OUR STATE AT THE SIOUX CITY CORN PALACE. 

It has been the prime and chief aim of this office to 
advertise the State in the best possible manner. For this 
reason we deemed it wise and proper that the State should 
be represented at the Sioux City Corn Palace during the 
Exposition at that city in October. For this purpose a 
line life-size oil painting was executed by one of our 
State’s most talented lady artists, to head or lead off our 
exhibit. * This picture attracted very general attention 
and admiration while it was shown there, and indeed has 
received nothing but encomiums from all who have seen 
it. The following counties had exhibits at the Corn Pal¬ 
ace, viz: Yankton, Bon Homme, Clay, Charles Mix, 
Brule, Davison, and the Agricultural College at Brook¬ 
ings had a special representative display. These ex¬ 
hibits, in the order named, were in charge respectively of 
Messrs Hinman, Mullenger, Capt. Barnsback, Short, 
Stearns, Col. Davenport and Prof. Keffer. The displays 
were very fine, and the gentlemen in charge of them ac¬ 
quitted themselves of thoir duties very acceptably and 
ably. 

In rendering the representation of our State a suc¬ 
cess, certain of our railroads made most valuable contri¬ 
butions. The display of South Dakota grain in the col¬ 
lection of the Great Northern Railway, the showing of the 
Black Hills mineral deposits by the Chicago & North¬ 
western, and the showing of the Chicago, Milwaukee & 
St. Paul, through its enterprising General Emigration 
Agent Mr. W. E. Powell, helped very materially in per¬ 
fecting our aggregated display. The roads named also 
rendered us valuable and appreciated assistance by carry¬ 
ing all of the South Dakota exhibits to the Festival over 
their lines free of transportation charges. 

♦This picture was also exhibited in the St. Paul ChambeT of Commerce] and received 
much admiration and commendation. The press of St. Paul praised its merits very highly 
as a “real work of art,” and a credit to artist and owners, ' J 




COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


1 5 


WHAT WAS THOUGHT AND SAID OF OUR EXHIBIT. 

As to the character of our exhibit, it was conceded 
to be the best on the ample floor of the Corn Palace, 
which was crowded with displays from every quarter. It 
seemed, to be the admiration of all the visitors, and was 
highly praised by representatives of the press, and by 
others whose opinions are to be valued. Of course in 
this connection, the State itself, for having been able to 
produce such an exhibit, received its meed of good words. 

Speaking of our collection and the State from whence 
it had come, the “Sioux City Journal” in a strong edi¬ 
torial said: 

• The showing of products which South Dakota makes iu the Corn Pal ice. both (lie ex¬ 
hibits that are made by counties and by more general agencies, is in good time and in good 
place. It is a showing upon which South Dakota is to be congratulated by all who have at 
heart the interests of the northwest. It is the wealth of South Dakota soil demonstrated by 
the products thereof The marvel of it is that such a magnificent compilation of crop sam¬ 
ples could be made by a commonwealth so young. If these South Dakota products were 
represented to the eastern visitor as,those of Iowa, Illinois or some of the best of the older 
states, he would accept them as the lit fruits of the most fertile soil and the most skilled 
cultivation. But neither Iowa nor Illinois, nor any other state can show better corn nor 
finer vegetables than South Dakota presents in the Corn Palace to the inspection of the 
world. The spectator will be struck not only with the quality of these products, not only 
with tin* si/e and excellence of the corn and other grains and all the roots and all the grasses, 
hut also with the great variety of the product. It will he to many the reversal of precon¬ 
ceived notions of South Dakota to find here so varied a representation of fine fruits, apples, 
grapes, plums, cherries, etc., of a flush and flavor that equal the products of the best 
orchards of the older states. It will give new and true ideas not only of the climate and soil 
of South Dakota, but as well of the enterprise and success of its people. This magnificent 
bounty is the best refutation of the stories of drouth and cold that a. reckless sensationalism 
has too often put afloat. The people of the east, even those who suppose themselves to be 
well informed as to the west, have as a rule only a faint notion of the true general relations 
of South Dakota. They fail to realize that its latitude is the same as that of Oregon and 
northern New York; and that it presents all the aspects of mountain and prairie plain. They 
do not grasp the significance of the fact that it would take fifteen states like Connecticut to 
cover as much space as South Dakota on the map. And. therefore, when some correspondent 
reports a drouth in some locality of the new state they do not realize that there might he a 
dozen local drouths and ninety-nine out of every one hundred farms in South Dakota might 
never feel it, and go on producing such crops as New England never saw. And it might 
happen that there would be severe failure of crops in the newer counties, as happens in all 
newly settled communities, while there was abundant production in the state as a whole. 
This is a good year to test South Dakota, a year when there has been a quite general shortage 
of crops throughout the country. But the showing which South Dakota makes, a showing 
which includes all the wide variety of its crops, from corn and wheat and flax to garden veg¬ 
etables and fruits, is not only creditable but magnificent. The Corn Palace is worth all it 
cost merely to give the opportunity for such a showing to South Dakota.” 

Although the exhibits at the Corn Palace were not open 
to competition, this office has received a letter from the 
Association commending our display in the following terms: 


i6 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


FOURTH ANNUAL FESTIVAL, SIOUX CITY CORN PALACE, 
SEPTEMBER 5J5TH, TO OOTOHEli ll'JH, 1890. 


Sioux City, October lltli, lsiio. 

DEAR SIR:— 

The Management of the Corn Palace Association of 1890, take pleasure in expressing 
tlieir appreciation of your acquaintance, and very cheerfully compliment you upon your un¬ 
tiring efforts in behalf of the State you represent. 

The exhibit of South Dakota has attracted universal attention, and received many en¬ 
comiums of praise. It has demonstrated her fields productive of great results; and placed 
her in the front rank with her sister states, as a region both inviting and profitable to the 
home-seeking agriculturalist. We shall hope to welcome her to all our future festivals, and 
shall deem it a privilege to extend all the courtesies to her many exhibitors. 

(Signed:) JOHN 1IORNICK, PRESIDENT. 


OUR 


EXHIBIT ELSEWHERE. 


A portion of our Corn Palace exhibit, including the 
allegorical painting heretofore mentioned, has been loaned 
to the Great Northern Railway for exposition through the 
principal towns and farming ciistricts of Canada. We 
believe this action will result in practical benefits of no 
small consequence in the future. 

We also sent a supply of the lithographed * ‘hangers” 
previously described, and of our printed matter, to Boston 
during the session of the National Encampment of the 
Grand Army of the Republic, in that city, last August. 
Our sincere thanks are due Col. S. H. Jumper, of Aber¬ 
deen, who had charge of our advertising matter on this 
occasion, and who distributed it without any expense to 
the State, and to good advantage. 

Our thanks are also due, and are hereby extended to 
the several railroads of the State, for the valuable assist¬ 
ance they have at all times freely rendered us in our work. 
A considerable saving of express charges and postage has 
been made to the office by the kindness of the passenger 
departments of these roads, in effecting, through their 
agents in the east and elseweere, the distribution of large 
quantities of our advertising matter free of charge—a 
service to us and the State of great value, and which this 
office, at least, appreciates. 





Bureau of Statistics. 


No special appropriation having been made by the 
State Legislature lor the support of a Bureau of Statistics 
in connection with this office, we could not undertake the 
lull collection and compilation of the statistical informa¬ 
tion hitherto furnished in territorial years. We have, 
however, collected and published a partial crop report; 
the list of county indebtedness; the weather and signal 
service reports; and the census of population for the State. 
We think the publication of these reports will prove of 
value and will fully repay an examination. 

Although we have a good State law directing the col¬ 
lection, compilation and publication of the statistics of 
the State, the failure on the part of the Legislature to 
make provision for carrying the law into effect made it 
impossible for this office to perform its part of the work 
fully and completely. We were not able to send out the 
necessary blanks, as in former years, in order to collect 
the full agricultural statistics. Arrangements were there¬ 
fore entered into with Hon. Robert P. Porter, the Super¬ 
intendent of the Government census, to obtain the infor¬ 
mation from him, as the work of Government agents; but 
unfortunately, his report could not be had in time for in¬ 
sertion in this report. Under the circumstances, and 
deeming it a matter of great importance that this work, 
at least, should be done, we secured an estimate of the 
acreage and yield of the principal crops for this year, and 
defrayed the expense out of the general fund. 



18 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


THE NECESSITY FOR A BUREAU. 

It is of essential importance that liberal provision be 
made for the maintenance of a Bureau of Statistics in 
connection with this office. The records of such a bureau 
are as necessary to the State as the ledger, journal and 
cash book are to a commercial establishment. We ought 
at all times be ready to make a statement of the actual 
condition of the State in all its departments and material 
elements, not for the satisfaction of our own people, but 
for the information of the outside world. From time to 
time reports, such as we could collect, have been given to 
the press of our own State, and to the associated press, 
and telegraphed to the daily papers of the country. In 
this way advertising has been secured, which, if it had 
been paid for over the business counters, would have cost 
many times our entire appropriation. 

The presentation of our complete agricultural, min¬ 
eral and other statistics, from time to time, will be the 
best evidence that our State is just as rich in her varied 
and diversified resources as any other state in the Union. 
Official figures do not lie or misrepresent. Often, too, 
we shall be called upon for this information. Already we 
have received numerous letters from all classes of people, 
farmers, mechanics, manufacturers, and financiers, asking 
for statistical data on almost every subject. Similar let¬ 
ters have been addressed to other State officials, and re¬ 
ferred to us for reply. We shall have more of such let¬ 
ters in the future. Nothing will convince many individ¬ 
uals—indeed nothing is so generally convincing—as the 
figures. 

The general government maintains a bureau of this 
kind, and would as readily entertain the idea of dispens¬ 
ing with any of its principal departments as of abolishing 
or neglecting its statistical office. Nearly all of our sister 







COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


19 


states, especially those commonly called new states, re¬ 
gard their statistical offices as essential parts of their 
political machinery; and some of them furnish elaborate 
and valuable information that could scarcely be obtained 
from any other source. 

In a state like ours, which is so much in need of de¬ 
velopment. and desires the regular acquisition of an enter¬ 
prising and intelligent population, and which is constantly 
striving to attract attention, it is of the greatest importance 
that ample facilities be afforded lor giving out information 
in a reliable and concise form, and this cannot be so well 
done, at least in the particular of conciseness, as by statis¬ 
tical tables. If every important subject shall receive 
proper attention, we can send crop statistics to farmers; 
fruit statistics to horticulturists; wool statistics to sheep- 
raisers; cattle statistics to stockmen; mineral statistics to 
miners; manufacturing statistics to manufacturers, etc., 
and health statistics to everybody. Our own people 
ought to be informed regularly of the financial condition 
of the State, so that at any time they can strike a balance 
sheet and see how it stands. 

ONLY A SMALL APPROPRIATION NEEDED. 

The expense of maintaining this bureau, which by 
law is made a department of this office, need not be 
considerable. A comparatively trivial appropriation, for 
the work to be done and the benefits to be derived, will 
be sufficient. In the condition of our State at present no 
heavy drafts upon its treasury ought to be made; yet to 
neglect certain vital projected measures, and ignore other 
matters of critical importance at this time, would be a 
false economy, and work material disaster right speedily 
upon our people and their interests. The Commissioner, 
therefore, most respectfully urges Your Excellency to 
recommend to the Legislature that the Bureau of Statis- 




20 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


tics of this office be so equipped, and sufficient funds 
placed at its disposal, that it may be able to perform a 
full measure of useful and effective work. The matter 
should receive early attention, in order that the Bureau 
may be speedily put in working shape to answer the de¬ 
mands upon it for information, which will come in con¬ 
siderable volume the present winter, from persons who 
probably intend coming among us next spring. In the 
present instance, as in others, delay will not only embar¬ 
rass this office, but will prove harmful to the best interests 
of the State. 






CROPS 


An Estimate of the Acreage and Yield for the Season, of 
Counties, Based on 487 Reports from Farmers, Business 
Auditors, and County Commissioners, Representing Every . 


3 F 18 9 0 . 


[COMPILED IS THE OFFICE OF THE C0M5II IIONER OF IMMIGRATION, OCTOBER 11, 1890.] 


the Principal Farm Crops of the State of South Dakota, b} 
Men, County Assessors, Township Assessors, County Clerks, 
.ocality Named in the Estimate. 


COUNTIF.S 


Aurora. 

Beadle. 

Bon Homme .. 
Brookings.... 

Brown. 

Brule. 

* Buffalo. 

Butte . 

Campbell. 

Charles Mix.. 

Clark. 

Clay. 

Codington._ 

♦Custer. 

Davison. 

1 )ay. 

Deuel. 

Douglas. 

Edmunds .... 
Kail River— 

Eaulk. 

Grant. 

Hamlin. 

Hand. 

Hanson. 

Hughes. 

Hut (Hinson .. 

Hyde. 

Jerauld. 

Kingsbury ... 

Hake. 

Lawrence _ 

Lin oln. 

McCook. 

McPherson .. 
Marshall... . 

Meade. __ 

Miner. 

Minnehaha.. 
Moody. 


Potter. ... 
Rub uts.... 
Sanborn... 

Spink. 

S': n ey.... 

Stilly. 

Turner .. 

lilt: on. 

Walworth. 
Yan Uton.. 


Totals.. 


WHEA 

,T 

Acres 1 

Av | 
Bu. 

Bushels j 

22,538 

7.9 

178,199 

71.910 

G u| 

472, £86 

17,369’ 

0.8 

186.8 9 

57.113! 

.1.1 

634,956 

246,449 

4.1 

1.017 917' 

31,-.61 

3.G 

112,615 

1,833 

13.3 

24,33. j 

25.419 

9.1 

231,755 

2 1 400 

14. 

£85 2 0 

55,422 

8.2 

451 618 

7 114; 

13.3 

95 798 

67,1G2 

10.3 

689,082 

23.875 

11.: 

268,750, 

!| 97,2-8 

12.5 

1 219,951 

1 32.081 

12.3 

4. 6,895! 

19,320 

8.4 

163 456; 

54 587 

6.5 

356 ( 89 

2 1(57 

6-8 

14 835 

48,542 

7-4 

356,842 

45.871 

1 .5 

483,1: ‘5 

| 42 505 

12.4 

620,789 

. 58.400 

8.3 

484.5C6 

35.429 

12-6 

445,343 

4 P’G 

8.1 

f 3.777 

59.1':5 

11.0 

084,385 

9 915 

53 

52.929 

20,496 

7.2 

146,7 2 

8->.P'5 

7.8: 612 380 

48,500 

12-6 

013 40" 

11 7*6 

16.9 

i 199.608 

28,208 

13.3 

373.912 

4 ,919 

13.4 

549.735 

33,21.3 

3.6 

127 561 

77.302 

5. 

387,61 1 

8 ' 50 

11.2 

90.350 

41,925 

| 8.1 

371.499 

37.529 

11.! 

445 657 

31.56' 

8-8 

27(1 49 

2 .£91 

6.5 

15 587 

£6 2‘9 

3.4 

2£l 25 

66 292 

8. 

533,03!) 

34.917 

8. 

279.099 

158,70? 

6.5 

992,' 1 i 

206 

12. 

2 4 0 

16 71' 

i 8.1 

142 132 

?0 OR5 

13. 

273.409 

119 *9 

1 .!* 

152.943 

] >r 4 - 

8.r 

102,318 

17.012 

13.7 

£43. £3 

. 19 4 53 

8.6' 17,066,GOO 


CORN 


OATS 


Acres 


Av 

Ini. 


Bushels 


Acres 


lAv 

Ltl. 


£3.1631 2.9 
39,U7u 4.7 
44,o: tt 20.9 
8 (166 20.2 


1 1.764 
35,03, 


2,233 

3,11.1 
29 0. (I 


5 

31.7 

20 . 


14,880 1,1.9 
£9.174 34.3 
4,47028.5 


27 2JO'21.5 
3,531122 
3,504 25.7 
£5 586 J 3.4 
4,076 14.3 
8.245114 
13 552 9.3 
8,716 29.5 
5 693 23.9 


26,01 5 
24 226 
0 7- 2 
54,361 
6.736 
15 294 

19.331 
10,40 

5 780 
48.463 

29.331 
1 665 
5 875 
7,650 

19 257 
33 848 


67,473 
182.986 
922.321 
227.333! I 
69.034 
141.743 


3-VfO 
98 831 
582 (KIO| 
251.4 9 
1.344.737 
127.301 


7,841 13.8 
15 311 15.3 
16.575 2.7 
21.583 33.2 
46.596 8.8 
11,402, 4 


RYE 


BARLEY 


Bushels 


1 8.15s, 
234.9 9 
876,857| 
715 s 3 
412 086 
54 156 


Acres 


Av 

Bu. 


1,323 12.7 
4(2 1 .1 
295:16.6 
106 15.1 
110 10.1 
847j 9.2 


Jusliels 


1(! 798 
4,068 
4,885 
2 50o 
1 173 
7,770 


5.2 
23.8 

8.7 

23.8 
4.9 
5.6 

13.1 

34.9 
. 1 3 

29.1 
21.7 

4 

8.3 
11.5 

9.4 

20 . 


10 0 m 34.8 
3,651 8. 

6 875 17.3 
In.OOOil 1.5 
13.4 >4 h'.l 
43 844 7-4 
fO 1 3 
lfi.il° 0.9 
5 9 877,34. 
41X47 : 2.1 
1.187 1''.5 
37,311 37.8 


063.925' 
78.522 
90.164 
842,616 
07,214 
115 386 
126 356 
257,478 
164 322 
186,666 
576 046 
58.308 
1,292.11,1 
31.9-.6 
84 935 
254.361 
363,000 
123,230 
Him r.Gi 
637.566 
6.729 
48,750 
88 0 0 
179 60, 
677 540 
556 250 
29 0 o 
118 750 
116.052 
135 4 8 
3 '5 675 
n.rnO 
90,563 
1 354.or 1 
1 318.78-1 
IS 555 
1.410. P 3 


I. 3(0 25.4 
5.201 2c.9 
8,(21 24. 

16.362 -.5.5 
12.859 57.7 
16.692 £0.7 

’ ii",6;3 £5.9 
19.364 31. 
12,176 37.4 

II. 862 19.8 
10,079 15.5 

1,233 14.5 
S 748 16 
13.686 30.4 
14.645 :1.9 
7.H6 19.9 
11.191 34.8 
1.119 12.2 
31.796 28.6 
2 5 9 7. 


7,790 


25.1,<8 22.9 
21.800 £5.6 


8,375 
35.257 
18 1-.8 
8,i 12 

15.128 16.5 
6.560 16.5 
16.080 .8.3 


7.4 


25.2 

. 6.1 

27 

4 


33,00(1 
118.917 
192,8l8 
416.996 
487,328 
512 888 


19 

74 

1.56,1 

in 

68 

61 


16.5 

15.4 
18.3 
12 . 

20.5 

10.5 


37.2 

29.2! 

11.1 

8.8 

.7.8 

12.7 


33,2 0 
23.52 
2,8! S 
4.001 
16 54 
16.337 
16,814 14.8 
200 30. | 
2 £63 11.9 
22,661 36. 
15 780 . 1.1 
2.80!' 12.4 
17,( 89 4 . 


3 »',894 
600.878 
4,75,0.8 
2(4.663 
156 367 
17,833 
11". 030 
415 (lilt 

467.819 
147,500 
498.938 

13 693 
9 9,467 
17,588 
57 461 
573 863 
776,000 
210,625 
1,274.714 
455.517 
87 608' 
£49,027 
107 5 0 
455.275 
1,2: (6.489 

683.820 
31,984 
85,1 u 1 

459,818 
200.789 
248.9-4 
6 00 : 
3:1,87.3 
817 17.7 
490 384 
35.89.7 
683 889 


1,144 18.4 


16.6 

17.9 


1,088 17.6 


35 2 
1 087119.9 
75 7.4 
380 14.9 
£72 14.5 
268 15.2 
GO 25.4 
807 20.6! 
308 21.9 
89 6.5 


165 
1.138 
28,6 0 
1,3.6 
1,394 
1,191 


Acres T Bushels Acres 


BUCKWHEAT 


FLAX 


POTATOES 


71 r 


1,084 10.1 
3,864 14.2 
1,634130.4 
1,475 2J.8 
21 8361 
3.193' 5.6 


21,(25 

3.2 

1,397 

19.124 


133 

34 

lo.z 

20 . 

1,355 

68 " 

34 

14.4 

488 

199 

19.1 

3.8 2 

762 

9.3 

7.1 09 

814 

21.8 

17,768 


150 £0.9 
1 115 16.1 
64.7 18.2 
3,395 -2. 

489|£7.1 
3,037 20.6 


10 978 
54,9o2 
34.291 
40,75.1 
167 851 
17,947 


3,133 
17,964 
11 726 
71 SCO 
13,266 
62,1.8 


70 
20,00s 
558 
5.653 
5,385 
4 03, 3 
1,525 
4,2,->4 
6.743 
579 


27 1 Hi 
1.118 14.8 
437 13.4! 
157 21.7, 


9 6.320 19.3 17.492,2-2; i "76,64:125.4 17.202 591 


4 746 
609 


458 

1..6 


280 

16,56 

8,(56 

3,38" 


1 '.4 
15.4 


49 4.72 
9,230 


2,1*25 18.2 
4 "72 22.3 

1 504 26.5 

2 647 15.9 
5,»18 13.51 

£9 10. 
3,868 15.7 
053 '-4.6 
2 556 2(7.01 
1,183 1.3.2! 
2,7cl l 2".0 
16/1 9-2! 
4,356 2-4 
43 i| 7.5 
1,585 15.6| 
8.463 16.2 
8,75: 01. I 
150 31 7 
3,2.1 29.1 
2 640'£'J.. r > 
3,757; 3.2 
8,592 12.6 
15 i 
2,58. 

6 436, 
3,96s ko. 
loO 2j. 


£8 

l5u 

lib 

133 

"23 


Av 

BU. 

6.4 
3.3 
4 9 
l£. 


Bushels Acres 


16 
1.8 
3 .6 


38.750 
9" 82 
39,8.3 
42 Ul 
8o,UlO 
390 
60,735 
16,040 
65,398 
18,033 
69,015 
1,533 
97.002 
3 233 
24,054 
55 8/2 
1.6,250 
4,75" 
93,£47 
63,0.9 
12,178 
107.845 
2,40(. 
56,100 
196,921 
118 535 
2,000 


179 

500 

718 

l.OUo 

""50 


10 . 


150 6. 
22 10.3 
£5 u. 


55 


101 


j4. 

,5. 

16.6 


00 


90J 

368 

125 


2/5 


2,£63 
7 2.j6 
9,527 
£9 2 5 
28,936 
2,5.0 


42o| 

1,"85 

£65 


5 

12 51 
4,994 
17,780 
3,810 
7,362 


Av 

Bu. 


3.8 

3.1 

6.4 

1U.6 

2.5 
2.9, 


Bushels 


Acres jf'j Bushels 


8,550 
2*2 618 
60,946, 
3(18,(.52 
72.382 
7,143 


8. I 
7.6 
8. 
6 . 2 ' 
8 .£, 
9.5! 
... . 


40 
94 574 
39,838 
111.16.7 
31,431 
70,131 




12.4 
£ 2 . ; 


272 1 
3/5' 


8.41 


849 


155 1l; 

_ i... 


1,7671 


1.382 27.8! 
l,66o I2.l| 
lj,669 16.2 


58,367 

£ 0 . 11(1 

172,915 


8.2 

*6.4; 


82 20.9 


3,746 

2,233 

1 710 


214 17.7' 


3 783' 1 


7£416.1 
1,309 £8-7 
701 £1.4 
970 11.4 
875 £3.9 


20.132 14.5 291 88(j,132,846 17.4 


26' 6.6 
22 15. 
75 11.3 
io lo. 
52 13 5 
78 lO.S 
401 2.3 


lo 

10 

lO" 


12 . 

9.3 

15. 


05 18.a 


170! 

33o! 

85u! 

loO 

70., | 

842! 

93 

120 

93 

l,50o 

1,186 


3,50c 
8,59. 
1,,"56 
0,5 6 
13,957 
lOo 
10.277 
1,159 
6,568 
15,916 
2,805 
519 
5 948 
4,0oU 
6,269 


9.1 

9.3 
lo. 

5 0 

4.4 
8. j 
4.3' 

9.8 

lO.i; 

2.2 

7.7l 

2.9 
7.8 
4.3 
2.7, 


15,378 5.5' 
16,2.0 8.8 
15 15. I 
19,945'iO.l! 
6,029 5.8 
12.440' 2. 
11,000 2.7! 


31,666 
8u,(J,4 
100,973. 
36 11"! 
62,wS 
800 
44,076 
11,512 
(.0,171 
35,25 ' 1 
21,5(2 
1 523 
46,14.1 
17,o04 
17,002 
83,978 
142,6UO 
£25 
2(0,429 
35,242 
23,357 
29,0JO 


495 23.9 
1.192U9 9 
691 21.8 

779'6'0.2 

1,89.1 £0.2 
900|10.9 


153 65. 
190 01.3 
45431.8 
926'4o.4 
721 58. 

815 4 1 3 


11 833 
3.5.592 
15,( 43 
39,075 
38,199 
9,789 


8,416 
11,648 
14,426 
87,£95 
41.872 
33,129 


5.. 4. 
40. 0.5 

_ _ 


11.627 
37.626 
15,02o 
11, 50 
_ 2.1,875 

2,314 970 


50 2 . 
50 9.5 

loti 12.6 


20j 

£c(' 


100 

533 

l,34o 


Si'ltJ.o 


4,9341 3.6 
21,846' 9.3 
28,7591 7.6 


17,512 

203,744, 

219,720 


1 , 618 , 


2.385 8.31 19,704 


13.191, 0.3 
2 553 7.8 
11.267 3.0 
19,980' 3 8 


83,£6(1 
19,862 
3/,0>0 
77,166! 


2.162 3.6 
9,699 9.1 
1,911 9.9 
6,817 5.3 
3,0(0 1 i.fl 


7,876 

88,383 

18,930 

36,702 

£1,875 


5:11 60.6 

892 6 4. 

495 62.8 
518o9.4 
759 og. 4 
413 36.6 
639 Ui 3 
756 90. 
541 50.5 
7401 £3.0 
432 56. 
269 2-J.2 
1,201 44.5 

3£9 ly.i 

3_'8'5j.4 
1,11543 5 
587 04.3 
9-5 87.8 
818'l£.8 
715 82.7 
554 17.6 
400'35.9 
40U;53.7 
592'50. 

I 012 59.8 
650 1U0. 
439'"1.4 
500 2J. I 
755 54.8 
393 2o.6 
1,103 38.6 
50 5". 
637 27.8 
879 69.2 
853 51.4 
205 27.7 


429,535 6.4 2,757,275 


32,600 45.4 


£2,187 
57 100 
31 110 
2 ,416 
£5,339 
15,110 
28,827 
68,074 
27,333 
17,7: 0 
24.£03 
6 246 
53,178 
6,275 
16,849 
48,488 
37,750 
SI,250 
35,055 
59,148 
9,756 
14,375 
21,500 
29,675 
60.558 
65,000 
22,567 
10 OiO 
26,298 
8.074 
44,830 
2.500 
17,714 
60863 
43 829 
5 680 
47,775 


1,479.535 


*No returns from Buffalo and Custer Counties. 






























































































































































































































CROPS OF 1890. 


[ COMPILED IS THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION, OCTOBER 11, 1890. J 

An Estimate of the Acreage and Yield for the Season, of the Principal Farm Crops of the State of South Dakota, by 
Counties, Based on 487 Reports from Farmers, Business Men, County Assessors, Township Assessors, County Clerks, 
Auditors, and County Commissioners, Representing Every Focality Named in the Estimate. 


COUNTIES 

WHEAT 

CORN 

OATS 

RYE 

BARLEY 

Acres 

Av 

Bu. 

Bushels 

Acres 

1 n 

Bushels 

Acres 

Av 

Bu. 

Bushels 

Acres 

Av 

Bu. 

Bushels 

Acres 

Av 

Bu. 

Bushels 

li 

Aurora. 

22.538 

7.9 

178,199 

23.163 

2.9 

67,473 

7,841 

13.8 

P'8.158, 


1G798 

1,084 

10.1 

10 978 

Beadle. 

71.910 

6 G 

472,*. 86 

39.070 

4.7 

182,986 

1.5 314 15.3 

234.9.59 

4(2 

lo.l 

4,06.8 

3,864 

14.2 

54,9b2 

Bon Homme .. 

17,869 

In.8 

186.8 9 

44.0) 9 

20.9 

922.321 

16,575 

*-2.7 

376,3571 

295 

16.6 

4,885 

1,684 

20.4 

34.291 

Brookings.... 

57,113 

11.1 

634,9.56 

8 666 

26.2 

227,333 

21.581 33.2 

715 81-3 

106 

15.1 

2.500 

1,475 

2J.8 

40,750 

Brown. 

246.449 

4.1 

1.017.917 

19,761 

6 A 

69,0341 

46.596 

8.8 

412 086, 

116 10.1 

1 173 

21 836 

7.7 

107 851 

Brule. 

31. .61 

3.G 

112,61.5 

35,664 

4 . 

141.743 

11,462 

4.7 

54 156 

847 

9.2 


3.193 

5.6 

17,947 

* Buffalo. 
















Butte. 











1 Go 




Campbell. 

25.429 

9.1 

231,755 

3.119 

61.7 

98.831 

5.201 22.9 

118.917 

74 

15.4 

1.138 

1 115 16.1 

17,964 

Charles Mix... 

21 400 

14. 

285 2 0 

29 ,(H0 

20 . 

582 001)1 

8,1 21 24. 

192,818 

1.56 / 18.3 

28,6 0 

645 18.2 

11 726 

Clark.. 

55.422 

8.2 

451 678 

14,880 

10.9 

251,4 ’9 

16,362 25.5 

416.996 

111 12. 

1,3 .6 

3.395 

-.2. 

74 SCO 

('lay. 

7 174 

13.3 

95.798 

£9.174 

34.3 

1.344.737 

12.859 37.7 

485,328 

63 1 20.5 

1,394 

489127.1 

13,266 

Codington. 

67,162 

10.3 

689,082 

4,472 

28.5 

127.301 

16 692 £0.7 

512 888 

61 

19.5 

1,191 

3,037,20.0 

62,4.8 

♦Custer. 







. 









Davison. 

23,375 

113 

268,750 

27 290 

24.5 

668.925 

H.613'25.9 

300,891 

1,144 

18.4 

21,1 £5 

2,125 18.2 

38,750 

1 )ay. 

97,2'8 

Ifc.E 

1 219,951 

3.531 

V 0 

78 522 

19 561 31 

fido stx 

2D 

1G li 


4 »i7*Mv2.X 


Deiiel. 

88.084 

12.3 

4, 6,895 

3,504 25.7 

90.161 

12.176 37.4 

455 , 6:8 

78 

17.9 

1,397 

1 504 1 26.5 

39,813 

Douglas. 

19,320 

8.4 

103 456 

26 586 

13.4 

342.616 

11.862 19.8 

214.66! 

1,088 17 6 

19,124 

2 64745.9 

42 101 

Edmunds. 

54 587 

6-5 

3.36 689 

4,676 14.3 

67,214 

10,079 15.5 

156 367 

L33 la.2 

1,355 

5,918 13.5 

80,010 

E’all Kiver. 

2 167 

6-8 

14 83.5 

8.245114. 

115 386 

1,233 14.5 

17,833 

34 

20. 

680 

59 10. 

390 

Faulk. 

48,542 

7-4 

356,842 

13 552 

9.3 

126 £5(1 

8.748 1 0. 

1 Ji i,030 




3.KKH 15.7 

60,735 

Grant. 

45.871 

1.5 

483,1 5 

8,716 

29.5 

257.478 

13.686 30.4 

415 691 

34 

14.4 

4es 

653 

24.6 

16,(i40 

Hamlin. 

42 505 

12.4 

526,789 

5 693 

28.9 

164 322 

14.645 51.9 

467,819 

199 

19.1 

3.8 2 

2 556 25.5 

65,398 

Hand. 

58.400 

8-8 

484.566 

36,0( 5 

.5.2 

186,066 

7,-116 19.9 

147,51X1 

752 

9.3 

7.i 09 

1,183 15.2 

18,033 

Hanson. 

35.429 

12-6 

445,343 

24 £26 

23.8 

576 046 

14.191 34.8 

493.938 

814 

21.8 

17,768 

2.7rl'2o.6 

69,015 

Hughes. 

4 166 

8-1 

£3,777 

6 V 2 

8.7 

58X08 

1.119 

12.2 

13 693 

35 

2. 

70 

167 

9.2 

1,533 

Hutchinson ... 

59,155 

11.6 

684,385 

51,361 

23.8 

1,292.401 

31.796 28.6 

9 9,167 

1 037 

19.9 

20,60s 

4,356 

2-4 

97.562 

Hyde. 

9 111' 

5 3 

52.929 

6,536 

4.9 

31.9.26 

25 9 

7. 

17,588 

75 

7.4 

558 

43, 

7.5 

3 233 

Jerauld. 

20,496 

7-2 

146,7 '2 

1.5.294 

5.6 

84 935 

7,799 

7.4 

57 461 

38a 

14.9 

5.658 

1,585 

15.6 

24,654 

Kingsbury .... 

81.125 

7.8 

612 389 

19,331 

13.1 

254 X61 

25.1o8 

22.9 

573 863 

372 

14.5 

5,385 

3.153 

16.2 

55 872 

Bake. 

48,500 

12.6 

613.400 

10,40 1 

34.9 

363,000 

21.800 

£5.6 

776,000 

266 

15.2 

4 03:; 

3,75) 

31. 

1)6,250 

Lawrence . 

11.766 16.9 

199.608 

5.786 

2-1.3 

123,280 

8.375 

25.2 

210,625 

GO 

25.4 

1,525 

150 

31 7 

4,75u 

Lincoln. 

28,208 

13.3 

373.912 

48.463 

29.1 

1.410 563 

35.257 

.,6.1 

1,274.714 

£07 

20.6 

4,2o4 

3,2>1 

29.1 

93,245 

McCook. 

4’,919 

13.4 

549,735 

29.333 

21.7 

637.566 

18 E 8 

25.1 

456.517 

308 

21.9 

0.74S 

2 646 

21.5 

61.0,9 

McPherson ... 

35,213 

3.6 

127.561 

1.66.5 

4 . 

6.729 

8.(12 

4.7 

37.608 

89 

6.5 

579 

3,757 

3.2 

12,178 

Marshall. 

77.302 

5. 

887,510 

5 875 

8.3 

48.750 

15.128 16.5 

£49,027 




8,593 

12.6 

11)7X45 

Meade. 

8 650 

11.2 

90.350 

7,050 

11.5 

88 0 0 

6.500 16.5 

1U7 500 

27 10.6 

286 

Ioj 

16. 

2,400 

Miner. 

41,925 

8.9 

371,499 

19 257 

9.4 

179 600 

16.080 

-8.3 

455.275 

1.118 14.8 

16,56. 

2,58'. 

21.8 

56,100 

Minnehaha.... 

37.529 

11.9 

445 657 

33 818 

20 . 

677 510 

33,2 '0 

37.2 

1,236.489 

437 18.4 

8,uC0 

6 436 

3.0 

196,921 

Moody. 

31.561 

8-8 

276 49 ' 

10.0 >o 

34.8 

556 250 

23.52 

29.2 

685,820 

157 21.5 

3,386 

3,95) 

d0. 

118'535 

Pennington.... 

2.691 

6.5 

15 587 

3,651 

8. 

29.011) 

2,8!j8 

11.1 

31,984 




1(0 

2o. 

2,000 

Potter. 

26 250 

8.4 

221.2-50 

6.875 17.3 

118 750 

4.001 

8.8 

35,00(1 






Huberts. 

66. 293 

8. 

533,039 

10.096 

1J .5 

116,052 

16.54*’ 

27.8 

459,818 




1 382 

27.8 


Sanborn. 

34.917 

8. 

270.09!) 

13.4 >4 

m.i 

135 4'>8 

16,337 

12.7 

200,789 

4 746 

1 1.4 

49.452 

1,665 

12.1 

20,110 

Spink. 

153.703 

6.5 

992,1 L 

43 844 

7.4 

3 .'5 67.5 

16,814 

11.8 

248.924 

599 

15.4 

9,230 

1j,869 

16.2 

172,915 

Sian ey. 

200 

12 . 

2 4' 0 

£0' 

3 i>. 

9.000 

200 

30. 

6 (IOj 







Sully. 

16 744 

8.4 

142 132 

13,110 

0.9 

90,568 

2.tC3 

14.9 

3.1,873 



3,746 

7*44 


11.027 

Turner. 

20 285 

13.4 

273,40!) 

£9 877 

64. 

1.354.651 

22,664 

36. 

817 175 

13G 

16.4 

2/233 

1 ,.‘309 

287 

37,626 

Union. 

11 9 ’9 

12.8 

162,913 

41.047 

:2.1 

1 318.78S 

15,780 

31.1 

490 384 

82 

20.9 

1.710 

701 

21.4 

15,024 

Walworth. 

J ' 645 

8.5 

102,318 

1,487 

12.5 

18 555 

2.893 

12.4 

35.895 




970 

11.4 

11 i 50 

Yankton. 

17,012 13.7 

245,1 23 

37,311 

37.8 

1.410.10.3 

17,089 

4 '. 

683 889 

214 

17.7 

3,783 

875 

23.9 

2j’«75 

Totals. 

1,934 £63 

8.6l 17,063,600 

9:6.820 

19.3 

17.492,212 

670,643 

25.4 

17.202 591 

20,182 

14.5 

291,880 

132,846 

17.4 

2,314.970 


BUCKWHEAT 


Acres 


£8 

l5u 

lit) 

133 


23 


Av 

BU. 

6.4 

3.3 

4.9 

12 . 


2.2 


Bushels 


50 


10 . 


150 0. 
22 16.8 
25 0 . 


55 


368 


j4. 

j5. 

15.6 


12.4 


101 0.4 


155 11.3 


26 6.5 
22 15. 
75 11.3 
lo lu. 
52 135 
7s lo.S 
40 2.3 


lu 

10 

lOu 

65 


5j 

40. 


50 

06 

loo 


84 


2.385 


12 . 

0.3 

15. 

18.2 


4. 

0.5 


9.5 

12.6 


10.3 

8.3 


275 


42ji 

1,185 

265 


272 

3,5 


810 


1,751 


170 

33u 

s5o 

luU 

70u 

842 

93 


08 

1,500 

1,186 


533 

1,340 


1,610 


10,704 


FLAX 

Acres 

Av 

Bu. 

1 Bushels 

2,£63 

3.8 

8,550 

7 256 

3.1 

2*2.618 

9,527 

G.4 

60,946 

£9.2 5 

10.6 

308,(52 

28,956 

2.5 

72.382 

2,5(0 

2.9 

7,143 

5 

8. 

40 

12 51 

7.6 

94.574 

4,994 

8. 

39.838 

17,786 

6.2 

111.165 

3,810 

8.(2 

31,431 

7,362 

9.5 

70,131 

3,50i 

9.1 

31,666 

8.59 

9:3 

8u,u..4 

100,973 

1 ’,u56 

10 . 

0,5 6 

5 6 

30 11.3 

13,957 

4.4 

6j.(u8 

lOu 

8. 

800 

10,277 

4.3 

44,676 

1,159 

9.8 

11,312 

G,5ob 

Id. J 

16,171 

15,916 

2.2 

35,25)1 

2,805 

7.7 

21,512 

519 

2.9 

1 523 

5 948 

7.8 

46,143 

4,UuU 

4.o 

17,604 

6,269 

£.7 

17,002 

15,378 

5.5 

8(4,978 

16,2.0 

8.8 

142,605 

15 15. 

225 

19,945 

10.1 

2CO,a20 

6,0*29 

5.8 

35,242 

12.440 

2 . 

23,557 

11,000 

2.7 

29,600 

4,934 

3.6 

17,512 

21,846 

9.3 

203,744 

28,759 

7.6 

219,720 

13.190 

6.3 

83,£60 

2 553 

7.8 

19,862 

11.267 

3.3 

37,650) 

19,980 

3 8 

77,166 

2.162 

3.6 

7,876 

9,690 

9.1 

88,388 

1.911 

9.9 

18,940 

6,877 

5.3 

30,70£ 

3,000 10.6 

31,875 

429,535 

6.4 

2,757,275 


POTATOES 


Acres 


495 

1,192 

691 

779 

1,893 


Av 

Bu. 

23.9 
~9 9 
21.8 

50.2 

20.2 


900 10.9 


153 55. 
190 61.3 
454 31.8 
926 40.4 
721 58 
815 41 3 


531 60.6 
802)64. 
495 62.8 
51839.4 
759 bo.4 
413 30.6 
689 •*! 8 
756 90. 
541 50.5 
74 o|23.9 
432 56. 
209 2,.2 
1,201 44.3 
329 19.1 
328 51.4 
1 115 43 5 
587 64.3 
9>5'87.8 
818'42.8 
715 82.7 
554T7.6 
400|35.9 
400 53.7 
592 50. 
1,012 59.8 
650 100. 
439 ul.4 
500 2J. 
75.5 34.8 
393 2o.6 
1,163 38.6 
50 50. 
637 27.8 
879 69.2 
853 51.4 
205 27.7 
856 55.8 


32,600 45.4 


Bushels 


11 833 
3.5.592 
15,043 
39,075 
38,199 
9,789 


8,416 

11,648 

14,426 

37,595 

41.872 

33,629 


£2,187 
57 106 

31.110 
2 ,416 
25,339 

15.110 
28,827 
68,074 
27,333 
17,7.0 
24.203 

6 246 
53,178 
6,275 
16,849 
48,4s8 
37,750 
81,250 
85,035 
59,148 
9,758 
14,375 
21,500 
29,675 
60.5,58 
65,000 
22,567 
10 OoO 
26,298 
8,1 74 
44,830 
2.500 
17,714 
60.863 
43 829 
5.080 
47,775 


1,479.535 


♦No returns from Buffalo and Custer Counties. 


























































































































































































































The crop estimates have been very carefully com¬ 
piled, and no pains spared to make them full and alto¬ 
gether reliable. As some criticism had been expressed in 
the past, when we were under the Territorial government, 
regarding the compilation of former estimates, this office 
this year, did all that seemed best to forestall unfavorable 
opinions of its work in hand. Especial care was taken in 
the selection of crop correspondents, who were, for the 
most part, representative members of the Farmers’ Alli¬ 
ance in their respective counties. Each county was 
divided into five portions, according to the cardinal 
divisions of the compass, viz: east, north, west, south and 
central, and a correspondent selected for each portion; 
thus covering the entire field. In addition to these re¬ 
ports information was also received from county and town¬ 
ship assessors, county clerks, auditors, county commis¬ 
sioners, and from a large number of newspapers published 
in our State. The reports, in every instance, bore the 
marks of careful investigation, and as the correspondents 
were all intelligent and capable gentlemen—to whom, by 
the way, we are under the greatest obligations for their 
freely rendered labors in our behalf—our estimates, on 
the whole, may be relied upon as entirely conservative, 
and altogether authentic. These reports have been 
freely copied and commented upon by the press through¬ 
out the Union, and a valuable service rendered the State 
thereby. 

AVERAGE YIELDS. 

From the preceding table of estimates it appears that 
the yields in bushels of the leading crops for the year 
1890, were as follows; 





22 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


Wheat. 

17,066,000 Bushels 

Bariev. 


Corn. 

.17,402.242 Bushels 

Buckwheat. 

. 10,764 Bushels 

( s 

17,201? ,701 Bushels 

Flax. 


Rye. 

. 201,880 Bushels 

Potatoes. 

.1,470 535 Bushels 


The general average per bushel per acre is, of Wheat, 
8.6; Corn, 19.3; Oats, 25.4; Rye, 14.5; Barley, 17.4; 
Buckwheat, 8.3; Flax, 6.4; Potatoes, 45.4— : in an unusual, 
dry season. 

A case in point illustrative of the difficulties some¬ 
times attendant upon the work of this office is the fore¬ 
going table. Small as it seems, fully six weeks were 
occupied in its preparation. But after all, and having 
fully in mind the trouble taken and the expense incurred 
in its compilation, we regard it as one of the best jobs 
performed. 

SUGGESTIONS. 

In presenting this table of crop estimates, it may not 
be out of place to present a few thoughts on the subject 
of agriculture in general, so far as it concerns the State of 
South Dakota. 

Two-thirds of our people are engaged in some of the 
departments or branches of this pursuit; for our vegetable 
productions include almost everything that grows in the 
North Temperate zone. Already our productions have 
had a marked influence upon the commerce of the country 
and the markets of the world. In 1880 we had about 
10,000 farmers; now we have 50,000; and despite local 
failures of crops, low prices, and other adverse influences, 
this class of our people have gained for our State the rep¬ 
utation of producing “the finest wheat, the heaviest oats,, 
the brightest barley, and the richest and oiliest flax, in 
the world.'’ 

WHAT EXPERIENCE HAS TAUGHT. 

Upon the whole our farmers have accomplished very 
much. They are, as a rule, young or only middle-aged 














COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


men, intelligent, industrious and pushing. If they have 
not already learned, they are fast learning to make the 
best of everything. The drouthy seasons have taught 
them dear but valuable lessonsof prudence and economy. 
Out of their experience, unpleasant though it was, they 
have extracted invaluable knowledge; and out of the net¬ 
tle of danger they have plucked the flower of safety. 
1 hey have learned the true character, and even the 
eccentricities, of our soil—its adaption to the growing of 
one product and its unfitness for the cultivation of another; 
that certain disastrous experiments must not be repeated; 
that they cannot gather figs from thistles; that they must 
work with their heads as well as with their hands; that 
they must sell more than they buy, and therefore, must 
waste nothing and always live within their incomes. 

Every intelligent farmer will study well the qualities 
and character of every separate acre of his farm. This 
lot is best for wheat; that for flax; the other for vegetables, 
etc. Every year brings new possibilities. To the staple 
articles of wheat, corn, oats, barley, and certain other 
cereals, there will be added, in a few years, other articles 
as among the leading productions of our soil. 

BEET SUGAR INDUSTRY. 

It is quite probable that the manufacture of beet 
sugar is to become one of our most important industries. 
The beets can be grown successfully in nearly every part 
.of the State. Already they are raised in large and pay¬ 
ing quantities in northern and western Nebraska, and 
there is a very successful factory at Grand Island, in that 
state. Experiments have already been'made with these 
roots in South Dakota, with satisfactory and promising- 
results. Prof. Shepard of the Agricultural College, at 
Brookings, analyzed the sugar beets raised on the College 

farm this year. From six varieties he obtained an aver- 
«/ 


24 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


age of 15 per cent, of sugar; from two varieties, 17.85 per 
cent., and from a variety the seed of which was sent from 
the Oxnard farm, at Grand Island, Nebraska, he ob¬ 
tained 20 per cent, of pure sugar. As from 12 to 14 per 
cent, is the usual product, and deemed a good and profit¬ 
able average, there is but little risk in declaring that, at 
least, the greater portion of our State is well adapted to 
sugar beet culture. The only draw-back in the way of 
experiments in this direction is the absence of convenient 
manufactories. For a time these can only be had by the 
offer of bonuses for their establishment. As they have 
been, and still are, alive to their interests, our people may 
be depended upon to do their whole duty in the premises. 
The raw material can be had in abundance when the time 
comes;' what is wanted now is the “plant” and the 
factory. 

The sugar beet is so easily raised, requiring little 
cultivation, and grows in nearly any kind of soil, that it 
can hardly fail to become popular with our farmers. It is 
raised very extensively in Germany, Austria, France, and 
other European countries, where the sugar is made in vast 
quantities. It has been raised in Minnesota, northern 
Iowa, and Wisconsin, and will be, no doubt, grown in 
South Dakota. 

FLAX CULTURE. 

Flax has already been one of the most profitable 
products of our soil, even though the fiber has generally 
been thrown away. With the establishment of linen 
mills and tow mills, to a reasonable number, this product 
will become a real source of wealth to many of our farmers. 
A large linen mill is under construction in Minneapolis, 
Minn., with every prospect of proving a mint of revenue 
to its founders. A dozen similar establishments ought to 
be in successful operation in our own State, to-day. 



COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


2 5 


HEMP. 

Hemp, too, can be raised here. It is not, as many 
suppose, essentially a Southern product. It grows wild 
in many places in Minnesota, and this office is creditably 
informed that the seed from “ volunteer ” crops has been 
sold to some extent in St. Paul, Minn., the present season. 
An acre of good ground will produce a ton of hemp fiber, 
worth $75.00 in the market. When fiber factories are 
established in the Northwest, as they ought to be, one of 
least profitable results will be the effectual solution of the 
binding-twine problem. 

MILLS AND FACTORIES WANTED. 

Flax mills and sugar factories are greatly in demand 
in our State just now. This office will make a special 
effort to procure them, if it can be properly assisted the 
coming year. We feel sure that their establishment in 
sufficient numbers will lead to only the most beneficial 
results, and in many places bring about almost a revolu¬ 
tion in the present methods of farming. 




Population of South Dakota. 


ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS OF 1800. 


The Commissioner presents herewith a table of the 
population of the State by counties, per the census of 
1890, as received from the Superintendent, Hon. Robert 
P. Porter, in a communication dated Nov. 4th, 1890: 


POPUL \TION OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA. BY COUNTIES. WITH IN¬ 
CREASE SINCE THE CENSUS OF 1880 


CO UN TIP'S. | 

Popula¬ 
tion 1890. 

Increase 
over 1880. 

CCUNT.KS. 

.. 

Popula¬ 
tion 1890. 

Increase 
over 1880. 

----- “ ‘ 

5,087 

9.588 

4,968 

Met ' 00 k. 

6.397 

5,114 

Beadle . 

8,293 

McPherson. 

5,919 

5,919 

Bon Homme . 

9.040 

10,124 

1(5,818 

3,572 

5.159 

Marshall . 

Meade.. 

4,510 

4.440 

4,510 

4,140 

1 >1 OOM Ilgd. 

16.465 

6,478 

Miner. 

5,159 

4.790 

Brule. 

6,710 

Minnehaha . 

21,803 

13,012 


991 

1.087 

088 

Moody . 

5,935 

i.,0-0 

Butte . 

1.037 

Pennington. 

6,539 

4,295 


8.504 

4.100 

3,454 

3,753 

Potter . 

2.922 

2,92.: 

L JIIIipiK 11 .• • 

Charles Mix . 

Roberts . 

1,992 

1 .858 

0,708 

7,500 
0,991 

0,589 

2,505 

4,835 

Sanborn . 

4,593 

4,593 


Spink . 

10,501 

11,084 

Codington . 

Stanley . 

1.027 

CM 


4 808 
9,109 

3,803 

9,102 

Sully . 

24^1 

2,111 

Day... 

Turner . 

10,222 

4.092 

5,449 

4,578 

4,193 

2,271 

Union. 

9.090 

2.088 

Deuel. 

Walworth. 

2,151 

2,105 

4,5s7 
4,877 
4,449 
4,015 
0,798 

4 623 

4,581 

4,877 

4,449 

4,011 

3.788 

3 930 

Yankton. 

10,442 

39 

2.052 

Edmunds. .. 

Fall River. 

UNOIUJANIZED COUNTIES 

Delano. 

3t) 


Harding . . 

100 

100 


Jackson . 

30 

80 


6,532 

4 203 

0.379 

Lyman . 

221 

97 


2,962 

4 775 

Nowlin. 

145 

145 


5,043 

10.449 

1 860 

Pratt. 

23 

23 


4,870 

1 800 

Presho . 

181 

181 


Seobey ..— 

32 

32 

JpmnUl 

3,589 

8.502 

3,589 

Sterling and Pyatt. 

126 

120 

Kingsbury . 

7,460 

Todd and Gregory. 

483 

280 

Lake . 

7.485 

4,829 

Wagner, Choteau — .. I 

31 

31 

Lawrence . 

Lincoln . . 

11,007 
9,188 

| *1581 
3.242 

Martin and Ewing. \ 

Ziebach and Washington 

549 

549 

Totals 




j 327.848 

| 229,537 


♦Decrease. Note:—Meade county having been created from part of Lawrence county in 1888, 
the increase in population in the territory formerly comprising Lawrence county is 2805. 


It will be seen that our population in June, last, was 
327,848, an increase of about 230,000 in the territory 
comprising our State, since 1880. Our advancement, 
therefore, in population as in all the other elements of 
prosperity and greatness, has been something phenominal, 












































































































COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


37 


and there are no apparent signs that the tide is receding. 
The advantages and opportunities of our State are in no 
wise exhausted. There are as many good chances here 
for the foresighted, the energetic and the industrious, as 
there were at the beginning of the past decade, and it is 
not anticipating too much, bearing the record of the past 
in mind, to conclude that the census of the year 1900 
will show South Dakota to have a population of 600,000, 
with all that the figures imply. 

The population of what is now South Dakota, by the 
census report of 1880, was 98,311,* and thus the per 
centum of gain in ten years is shown to have been about 
234. The present population, (December 1890), cannot 
be far from 340,000. Our State is now the thirty-seventh 
in the Union, in the order of population; out-ranking the 
states of Oregon, North Dakota, Delaware, Montana, 
Idaho, Wyoming and Nevada, and the territories Utah, 
New Mexico and Arizona. 

The Superintendent writes that information as to the 
distribution of the population by age, sex, nationality, 
etc., cannot be furnished for a considerable time. 

* According to the computations in this office. The bulletin of Sup’t. Porter, ( No. 12 ), 
gives it as 98,268; making the total increase 229,580. 







Vmt Qur Counties Owe. 


The subjoined table of indebtedness of the several 
organized counties of the State, and which also shows the 
amounts they have on hand to the credit of the sinking 
funds and for the redemption of oustanding warrants, 
exhibits a healthy and gratifying condition of our local 
finances, when the situation and circumstances are taken 
into account. Our counties are new. They have had to 
make roads, build bridges, erect county buildings, and, 
as one may say, establish their plants lor the running of 
their political machinery; to care for the unfortunate—all 
under difficulties and at considerable expense. Under the 
prevailing conditions no other state can make a better 
showing. 

The total amount of the bonded and current indebt¬ 
edness is really insignificant, in view of the actual condi¬ 
tions. One or two prosperous seasons will place our 
counties in excellent shape, and it is safe to say that every 
warrant will soon be paid upon presentation, and every 
bond redeemed at maturity, 

The aggregate bonded indebtedness of the several 
counties is $2,098,000. Outstanding warrants amount to 
$538,029. The amount of cash in sinking fund is $203,- 
800; while the amount of cash on hand for the payment 
of warrants is $116,847. It will be noted that many ofu 
the items comprising the indebtedness are for seed grain 
and other supplies furnished to our drouth-stricken people. 
South Dakota is in a condition to care for her own unfor¬ 
tunate and indigent citizens, whose number will grow * * 

smaller each year, if a considerate and All-wise Providence 
is to be trusted. 




COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


29 


SOUTH DAKOTA COUNTY 


INDEBTEDNESS-SUMMARY OK JULY 1. 1890. 


COUNTIES 

l Amount of 
Bonds Issued 

Amount of 
Warrants 
Outstanding 

Amount of 
Cash in Sink¬ 
ing Fund 

Amount of 
Cash on hand 
for Warrants 

Aurora. 

32.000 

2.340 


487 

Beadle . 

50.000 

11 335 


1,094 

Bon Homme (a). 

335 


1 14!) 

Brookings. 

* 

7.17!) 

80S 

1,161 

Brown (lx .... .... 


87 2 ■ / 


Brule. 


055 


814 

Buffalo ((•). 

4.0011 

3.211 

42) 

245 

Butte . . 

14.849 

12.200 

I.72S 

2,004 

Campbell . . 

19 80s 


721 

Charles Mix . 

(Tark (d).. 

Clay. 

12,500 

15.000 

2.000 

140 

14 179 

88!) 

1.095 

770 

520 

4 535 
1,793 
4.071 

Codington 

35 000 

530 


10.194 

Custer .. . 

58,840 

35 823 

3.915 

1.454 


70 350 


7 882 


D;i v . . . 

15.000 

17 977 

3H6 

Deuel . 

11 500 

1.809 


1 972 

Domrlas... 

19,0.10 

23,200 

3 <S7S 


2 SIT 

Edmunds. 

30 920 

1.57!) 

7.000 

Fall River. 

16,000 

9.202 

397 

290 

Faulk f) . 

48.587 


1.089 

Grant . 

107,550 

10,975 

2,408 

(&\ . 

3,450 

989 

I III 11(1 




] liiimo)) 

20,000 

59,100 

3.722 




Hughes . 

040 

422 

350 

Hutchinson . 

364 

4s 1 

9 01S 

Hvde . 

20,100 

25,423 


: 34 

.|pv)i,nlrl . 

18,512 


308 

Kiiifyfihiirv Hil . 

13,000 

10,000 


4.29s 

Lake 

30,000 

070.950 

5,325 


7,08) 

Lawrence (i). 

I ii ix*ol n 

303 

159 824 

808 

* McCook 

20,000 



2.3SC 

McPherson 

11,630 


2 954 

Marshall (i) 

9.000 

15 810 


870 

Meade. 

150,801 

5 721 

5,008 

1.440 

MineWlrl ' 

10,000 

92,992 

14,785 

57(> 



Minnehaha. . 

1,523 

8.978 




Pprmiiwrt.nn 

04.900 

10,000 

00 983 

5,122 


Potter . .. 

16 870 

ISO 

542 

Roberts (1) . 

Sa nhnrn On ) ... ... 

32,000 

231 


1,312 

27,271 


735 

Spink ... . 


4.14s 


2.70) 

Sianlev . . 


700 


O') 

Sllllv . . 

12.000 

2,037 

920 

2.191 

Turner 

22.000 

0 008 


7,7! in 

U nion 

24,150 

27.827 


3,504 


13.134 


1 129 

Yankton. 

328,800 

1.801 

70 

5.079 

Totals, 

$2,098,370 

$538,020 

$203,800 

$11 <>.847 


The bonds of this county being in litigation no statement can be given. 

The above indebtedness has been incurred on account of seed and supplies tarnished t<> 

the poor. . _ „ . 

In the amount of county warrants outstanding are included SI,7o5. 70 . issued tor seed 
grain, for which the county has liens upon the crops raised trom said seed. 

The amount of warrants is augmented by $7,000, issued to buy seed grain. 

Has the following assets: Due from Marshall county 8910; seed liens due the county. 
$ 12 , 700 ; uncollected 1889 tax. #3,425.55. Total, $17 035.5f>. 

(f) Total amount of warrants issued includes the amount ot warrants tor seed gram. 

(g) The above statement of outstanding warrants includes $791.28, issued lor seed grain, tor 

which the county holds farmers’ notes. . . 

Of the warrants outstanding $10,000 were issued for purchasing seed gram tortile poor. 

The county holds securities to more than pay this amount. 

$159,824are due from Meade county, making the net indebtedness $;>U.lui. 

The amount of outstanding warrants includes $9,000 issued for seed grain . 

The amount of outstanding warrants includes $12,030 issued tor seed gram. - 
The enumeration of county warrants outstanding does not include $9 O00 ot Iraudulcnt 
warrants which the commissioners have restrained county treasureer from paying. 
Outstanding warrants include $8,326, issued for seed grain, for which liens arc on file. 


(a) 

U» 

(e) 

(d) 

(e) 


(h) 

(i) 
(. 1 ) 
ik) 

(I) 


(m) 


-McCook County—As per statement January 1st. 1890. 













































































































;PORT£. 


If the wild tales of the malicious and the ignorant 
about the rigorous climate and the prevalent inhospitable 
weather of South Dakota were true, we might be excused 
for evading the subject in this report. But every South 
Dakotaian knows that the pure and healthy climate of the 
State, and its prevailing pleasant and always tolerable 
weather, are among its chief attractions. The Commis¬ 
sioner takes pleasure in presenting the following reports 
and tables on the subject. The office is under great ob¬ 
ligations to Sergeant S. W. Glenn, of the U. S. Signal 
Corps, in charge at Huron, for much valuable and indis¬ 
pensable assistance rendered in this work. In transmit¬ 
ting certain information to this office, under date of Nov. 
2nd, Sergeant Glenn takes occasion to make some im¬ 
portant suggestions, and his communication is most inter¬ 
esting throughout. Referring to the work of the Signal 
Service in South Dakota, he says: 

“ It is the policy of the Chief Signal < ffficer to encourage the collection of climatic data, 
and to this end lie loans to responsible parties at certain selected points, the necessary in¬ 
struments. and a supply of forms, etc., for recording observations, together with “ franked ” 
envelopes for mailing purposes. The instruments consist, as a rule, of Signal Service maxi¬ 
mum and minimum thermometer, and rain gauge. In special cases, as at State institutions 
for learning, a barometer, and sometimes a hygrometer are included. The persons to whom 
the instruments are loaned volunteer to make the observations, and render renorts of the 
same without expense to the Government. By reference to the June tabular summary you 
will find all the stations in both North Dakota and South Dakota, and the name of observer 
at each station. As a rule instruments are not loaned at places within fifty miles of a station 
already established. 

I am glad to be able to say that the Dakota Weather Service is, in point of intelligence 
of observers and reliability of data, equal to any in the United States, (nearly all states have 
them now,) and the Chief Signal Officer has expressed lus gratification at its progress. The 
force at this station is not sufficient to give it the attention which its increasing importance 
and popularity demand, but it is believed the change from a military to a civil bureau, re¬ 
cently directed by Congress, will make available more liberal appropriation for this especial 
work, when State Services will become institutions of great value. I think there is no doubt 
the Agricultural Department will greatly extend the scope and usefulness of this work 
Under the War Department the work has been hampered by lack of appropriations. 

The ‘ Weather-Crop Bulletins ' have been compiled from reports received from nearly 
one hundred crop reporters distributed at points throughout the two states. These reporters 
like the observers, received no compensation. These bulletins can. I feel confident, with in¬ 
creased facilities, be made of very great value to the people generally. Their reception has 
been very flattering, and during the past season the demand for them from other states, even 
as far south as Louisiana, was great. The purpose of the 1 Weather-Crop Bulletin ” as its 
title suggests, is to note only the effect of current weather upon crops, and I have avoided 
as far as possible, encroachment upon the province of the office of the Commissioner of Im¬ 
migration. The last bulletin for lsf)0 gave a few statistical notes as the result of numerous 
requests, and it frequently happened that notes of that nature appeared in *• remarks by 
correspondents.” 

In connection with the State Service there is a ‘forecast’ department. The Chief 
Signal Officer sends daily to points where flags will be purchased and displayed without ex¬ 
pense to the Government, the ‘ forecasts ’ from Washington, at Signal Service expense Tt 
is believed this branch of the work will be greatly enlarged and improved by the Agricultural 
Department.” 



THE FOUR SEASONS IN SOUTH DAKOTA—SPRING. 

SOUTH DAKOTA WEATHER SERVICE: SUMMARY FOR APRIL. 18!I0. 


COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 



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THE FOUR SEASONS IN SOUTH DAKOTA—AUTUMN. 

SOUTH DAKOTA WEATHEK SERVICE: SUMMARY FOR OCTOlililt ISnO. 




FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


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THE SPRING SEASON FOR TEN YEARS 

COMPARISONS FOR APRIL. 


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34 


FIRST ANNUM 


REPORT OF THE 
















































































COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


r 


It will be understood that, in the foregoing tables, 
those giving the summaries of observations of the four 
U. S. Signal Stations in the State for the months of 
April, July, October and January, respectively, represent 
the four seasons, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, 
and those following show the comparisons for the same 
months for the period of ten years, last past. It is be¬ 
lieved that these tables will not only be found valuable 
for immediate and present consultation, but will be worthy 
of preservation. 


LOCATION OF OBSERVATION 


STATIONS. 


Monthly returns are made to this office by these 
stations by authority of Gen. A. W. Greely, Chief Signal 
Officer of the United States Army. Besides the four 
Government Stations, which are located at Yankton, 
Huron, Fort Sully x and Rapid City, there have been 
established observation stations at various points in the 
State, which are in charge of volunteer or private ob¬ 
servers, and all under charge of SergeantS. W. Glenn, 
of the U. S. Signal Station at Huron. These stations 
are located at Aberdeen, Alexandria, Brookings, Canton, 
Clark, DeSmet, Etta Mine, Flandreau, Highmore, How¬ 
ard, Kimball, Milbank, Oelrichs, Omda, Parkston, Scran¬ 
ton, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, St. Lawrence, Vermillion, 
Webster, Wolsey and Woonsocket. The conditions 
under which these stations have been established are de¬ 
scribed in the communication of Sergeant Glenn, already 
referred to. 





Public Lh.vd Entries 


The records of the eight public land offices in the 
State show that during the past year their business‘has 
been quite considerable. The following tables exhibit the 
number of entries, etc., in detail, by the months and by 
the several land offices, during the period intervening be¬ 
tween November ist, 1889, and October 31st, 1890: 


PUBLIC LAND ENTRIES IN SOUTH DAKOTA. 


Number of Filings at the Eight U. S. Land Offices from Nov. 1, 1889, to October 31, LSa'J. 





X 

| 

— 


X 

— 




X 

rP 



X 

Zj 


c 

o 




U 


g 

X 

i x 

— 

£ 

Zj 

>- 

— 




» . 

- X 


ZJ 

Zj 



X 

MONTHS 



2 


— — 

X 

Zs 


>» 

.zz .0 ^ 

•f 3 



ZL 

a 

i 

s ■ 

35 * 

£ 

J- . '*■ 

i 

£ 

X 

3 

£ r -r. 

ZZ Zj 

rn 

X £ 




•m 



OC-. 

c 



T“ ^ 


2- 

3£ 

p- 

— 

o 


H 

c 



November, (1889). 

170 

147 

184 

185 

50 

385 

25 

72.805 

95.789 

2.120 

1 lecember,. 

165 

98 

157 

114 

22 

•261 

30 

64.687 

64.601 

320 

• aunary. (!890).j 

83 

67 

70 

134 

23 

2tn 

75 

36.744 

57.582 

160 

February,. 

109 

91 

93 

105 

14 

194 

42 

44.094 

34.364 

160 

March,. 

152 

104 

138 

93 

14 

143 

61 

53.655 

33.432 


April. 

255 

2.0 

212 

K 0 

9 

303 

155 

103.842 

64.222 

100.207 


May, .. 1 

257 

356 

154 

102 

14 

342 

215 

118.383 


,1 une,... 

182 

123 

161 

66 

14 

288 

558 

73.469 

93.017 

169 

July.1 

167 

125 

125 

75 

10 

264 

279 

143.674 

91.777 

3.038 

August..! 

121 

82 

107 

/•> 

0 

174 

60 

46.634 

54.917 

1<>0 
ii :n 

September,. 

91 

06 

113 

SO 

39 

249 

95 

50.156 
56.892 

66.125 

93.774 

October,. 

K< 

136 

154 

114 

12 

355 

147 


Totals,..i 

1839 

1645 

1677 

1243 

230 

3192 

1742 

870.035 

849.807 

6.278 


PUBLIC LAND ENTRIES IN SOUTH DAKOTA. 


Number of Filings, etc., in each U. S. Land District from Nov. 1, 1889, to Oct. 31, 1890. 


DISTRICTS. 





zz* 


i 



Yankton,. 

58 

93 

Mitchell. 

Watertown. 

338 

Huron,. 

Aberdeen, . 

188 

441 

Rapid city,. 

600 

♦Chamberlain. 

101 

• Pierre. j 

20 

Totals, . 

1839 



55 

68 

50 

22 

238 

113 

227 

82 

24 

483 

254 

356 

350 

56 

851 

1*92 

382 

99 

25 

921 

234 

290 

333 

41 

455 

353 

305 

314 

35 

139 

346 

34 

9 

20 

79 

68 

15 

6 

7 

26 

1645 

1677 

1243 

230 

3192 


V 


- /. 

Zj 

ZZ 7 

x, z: 

O 


~ 



< 


384 

23.096 

103.907 


36 s 

70.684 

148.378 


333 

136.729 

174.46J 

480 

155 

103.927 

189.603 

240 

95 

153.376 

146.134 

160 

835 

295.266 

59.524 

2.360 

HH 

74.549 

22.505 

3.038 

6 

11.808 

5.295 


1742 

870.035 

349.8.(7 

6.278 


♦Chamberlain office opened for business in April 1890. 

•'■Pierre office opened for business in May 1890. 

Note—T he Filings recorded in these newly established offices have been made on land 
detached from adjacent land districts and attached to the new districts. 












































COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


37 


It will he seen that the whole number of pre-emption 
filings during the year was 1,839, of which the greater 
number were made in April and May, and at the Water- 
town, Aberdeen and Rapid City offices. As these entries 
were made by actual settlers we know that this number of 
bona fide residents, representing the same number of 
families, have come upon our unoccupied lands, besides 
those who have made settlements elsewhere in the State. 
The number of homestead filings was 1,645, °f which the 
greater number were made at Watertown, Aberdeen, 
Rapid City and Chamberlain. The total number of 
acres newly filed on during the year was 870,035, an area 
larger than the whole state of Rhode Island; more than 
one-half as large as Delaware, and nearly one-third as 
large as Connecticut; and all this in the face of the hue 
and cry made about the “destitution,” and the “forbid¬ 
ding character” of our State. The total number of acres 
acquired by final proofs and cash entries was 849,807. 

An interesting item is that of the timber-culture proofs 
made—1742 in all. Many have already taken advantage 
of this provision of the homestead law, and the number 
will undoubtedly increase. In time, as elsewhere, our 
broad prairies will be well supplied with timber groves, 
which will favorably affect not only our climatic influences 
but the material interests of our people as well. 

The land office at Chamberlain was not opened until 
in April, and the Pierre office in May last. Both of these 
offices are principally for the former Big Sioux Reserva¬ 
tion. Large tracts of land are being occupied on the 
ceded part of this reservation. No official records, how¬ 
ever, are available, showing the extent of the settlement, 
for the reason that these lands are held under the 
“squater right” as yet, and cannot be filed on until the 
approved “surveying plats” have been sent to these 



38 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


offices by the general land office. It may be well to state 
as a reminder, that all of the land offices in South Dakota 
are in railroad towns, and can be readily reached. The 
times of our forefathers in other states, when several days 
journey was required to reach a land office, have passed, 
so far as our State is concerned. 

In this connection the Commissioner deems it proper 
to suggest to your Excellency that our Legislature should 
memorialize Congress asking for the passage of an act 
repealing the law now in force, which practically requires 
those who go upon the Sioux Reservation to buy the lands 
they may select for homesteads, and to allow those lands 
to be acquired in the same manner as other public lands. 
Justice and fairness demand that this be done, and it will 
be greatly to our interest if it shall be done speedily. In¬ 
deed it is not clear why the discrimination was ever made. 








Railroads of the 



South Dakota has within her borders 2584 miles of 
railway in operation, including some of the most promi¬ 
nent and leading lines of the country, as the Chicago & 
Northwestern; the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul; the 
Great Northern; the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & 
Omaha; the Burlington & Missouri River; Illinois Central 
and others. All of these thoroughfares are well built, 
have all the modern conveniences and advantages, and 
are most efficiently operated. Our railroads have been a 
potent factor in the growth and development of the State, 
and of incalculable benefit in every way. They are un¬ 
der a wholesome system of regulation, but the relations 
between them and the people are most intimate and ami¬ 
cable. The subjoined table shows the total mileage of 
every railroad in the State on November 30th, 1890. 

TABLE SHOWING THE TOTAL MILEAGE OF EACH COMPANY IN OPERATION 
IN SOUTH DAKOTA ON NOVEMBER 1ST, 1890. 


NAME OF COMPANY. MILES. 

Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. 1,097 

Chicago & Northwestern Railway. 744 

Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley Railway. 1(51 

Chicago, St. Paul. Minneapolis & Omaha Railway. 8* 

Burlington & Missouri River Railroad. 109 

Great Northern Railway. 198 

Illinois Central Railway. 15 

Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway. 40 

Black Hills & Ft. Pierre Railway. 88 

Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway... 83 

Forest City & Sioux City Railway.:. 10 


Total. 2,584 


RAILROAD BUILDING THE PAST YEAR. 

It is gratifying to be able to state that during the past 
year 133 miles of new railroad was constructed within 
South Dakota. In many parts of the country railroad¬ 
building was practically at a stand-still. In some states 
there was no increase in mileage; in others but little. 































40 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


This shows that railroad corporations have confidence in 
the future of our State, and these corporations are usually 
far-sighted, and know what they are about when they ex¬ 
tend their lines into a new country. The following table 
shows in detail the mileage of new roads constructed and 
completed within the State 1 during the year 1890: 


TABLE 


SHOWING 


THE MILEAGE OF NEWLY CONSTRUCTED 
SOUTH DAKOTA COMPLETED IN 1890. 


ROADS IN 


FREMONT, ELK HORN MISSOURI VALLEY RAILWAY. 


From Wliitewood to Range Stock-loading Yards... 20.<>s 

From Buffalo Gap to Hot Springs. 13.55 

From Wliitewood to the Tunnel on Deadwood Branch— 5. 39.23 

UURLINGTON A .MISSOURI RIVER RAILROAD. 

From Kdgemout to Hill City. HO.44 

DEADWOOI) & CENTRAL CITY RAILWAY. 

From Deadwood to Lead City. 3.33 

BLACK HILLS & FORT 1*1 ER RE RAILWAY. 

From Klk Creek to Piedmont. 14. 

FOREST CITY & SIOUX CITY RAILWAY. 

From Forest City to Gettysburg. 16. 

Total . 138. 


Of the above 11 7 miles have been constructed in the 
Black Hills region, while only 16 miles have been con¬ 
structed east of the Missouri river, viz: from Forest City 
to Gettysburg. 

The branch of the Fremont, Elkhorn & Mo. Valley 
Railway, from Whitewood to the Tunnel on Deadwood 
Branch, (five miles,) is ironed but not yet operated, at 
the time of making this report. 

UNFINISHED ROADS. 

The following table shows in detail the number of 
miles of railroad graded, but not yet ironed. These lines 
will certainly be fully completed, equipped and operated 
during the year 1891. 

Certain of our fellow citizens, in other parts of the 
Union, need to be informed that South Dakota is already 



















I 


C O M MIS SIO N E R O F 1 M M. IG R AT IO N 


4 * 


well supplied with railroads, that more are in process of 
construction, and that still more are in contemplation: 


TABLE 


SHOWING THE MILEAGE GRADED IN 

NOT VET IRONED. 


SOUTH DAKOTA BUT 


MINNEAPOLIS. ST. PAUL & SAIJLT STE. MARIE KY. 


From North Dakota line to Aberdeen. 48. 

BURLINGTON & .MISSOURI RIVER R. R. 

From Hill City to Deadwooil. 47. 

DULUTH, PIERRE N: BLACK HILLS RY. 

From Aberdeen to Faulkton. 47. 

DEAD WOOD & CENTRAL CITY RY. 

From Gold Run to Ruby Basin and Bald Mountain, with two 
branches through Fan Tail and White Tail Gulches. 17. 

FOREST CITY & WATERTOWN RY. 

From Forest City to Hoven. 80. 

Total. 18<>. 


The Duluth, Pierre & Black Hills Railway has made 
a survey from Oakes r North Dakota, to Pierre. The 
grading of this line from Oakes to Aberdeen, and from 
Faulkton to Pierre, to be completed as soon as possible, 
and track-laying will commence next Spring. The Mid¬ 
land Pacific Railroad is making a survey from Sioux Falls 
to Pierre. This information was receiveci from the Gen¬ 
eral Managers of the respective roads. 

























ROPRltfTKXN 



At the convening of our first State Legislature, on 
January 7th, 1890, there was an existing appropriation of 
$7,000 for the conduct of this office for the year ending 
December 31st, 1890—inherited from the late Territory 
of Dakota. Out of this amount there was disbursed—on 
vouchers, accompanied by the original bills, certified to 
by the Commissioner and audited by the State Auditor— 
for advertising, printing, postage, freight and express 
charges, stationery and other office expenses, up to March 
4th. 1890, the sum of $1,499.12. leaving at that time an 
unexpended balance of $5,500.88. Under the provisions 
of Chapter 18, Session Laws of 1890, (“ An Act Repeal¬ 
ing Chapter 9 of the Session Laws of the Eighteenth 
Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Dakota, Pro¬ 
viding tor an Appropriation for the Maintenance of the 
Public Institutions,”) this amount was not further avail¬ 
able. But under Chapter 10, Section 19, of the Session 
Laws of 1890, there was a new appropriation for printing, 
advertising, stationery and postage, of $5,000Rand from 
this amount the following disbursements have been made, 
as per vouchers with the original bills, hied with the State 
Auditor: 


PRINTING. 

For r >,000 pamphlets in the Danish language. $ 116.00 

For lo,00o official Encyclopedias. 537.40 

For 3,200 official maps. s7.oo 

For 5,000 Scandinavian pamphlets. • 20o.00 

For 800 circulars. 9.50 

For 8,000 Crop Reports. 08.Oo 

For 1,000 Crop Yield blanks. 7.00 $1024.90 

















COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 43 


advertising. 

For advertisements in newspapers and magazines.$ 224.00 

For 15,000 lithographed ‘hangers’ furnished by the Forbes- 

.Lithograph MTg. Co. Boston-, including freight. 1200.44 

For rolls for mailing lithographs, including freight. 103.50 

For framing 128 lithographs, including freight. 143.60 

For engraving advertising card on letter heads. 6-2.55 

For oil painting and frame. 176 .00 

For expenses connected with Sioux City Corn Palace. 05.88 82015.00 

STATIONERY. 

For office stationery, including blanks, letterheads, circulars 

to correspondents, envelopes, etc... s 123.25 

POSTAGE. 

For postage, including postal cards, wrappers, postage furn¬ 
ished crop correspondents P. O. box rent and expenses 
in mailing advertising matter. 8 050.46 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

For express and freight charges, drayage, boxing advertising 

matter, rent, lights, telegrams and other office expenses 8 421.60 

Total expenditures. $4541.36 

RECA PITULATION. 

To appropriation... .. 8 5000.on 

To cash received from Secy. Board of Agriculture for loo rolls 2.50 

To postage received from correspondents. 9.65 Sot. 12 .15 

Total expenditures. $4541.36 

Unexpended balance, Nov. 30th, lsoo,. 8 470.79 


















Irrigation. 

No subject is of greater interest to our people or of 
more importance to the material interests of our State 
than that of irrigation. To its understanding much 
thought has been given; to its investigation and elucida¬ 
tion much labor has been employed and much expense in¬ 
curred. A great interest has been awakened in important 
quarters. The general government has engaged in the 
work, after much delay, and so far as South Dakota is 
concerned—and she is concerned very greatly—if our 
people will only co-operate with the authorities we shall 
ere long have a general system of irrigation throughout 
the State, with all of the many resultant advantages and 
benefits. 

NO CHOICE OF SYSTEMS. 

Your Excellency is fully aware that the practicability 
of this general system is no longer questioned. It cannot 
now be doubted—as it was at one time—that irrigation 
from artesian wells is feasible in the greater part of our 
Commonwealth. The former “ theory ” has given place 
to a “condition, ’ as the numerous wells already in suc¬ 
cessful operation attest. There are those who insist that 
this artesian supply will not prove permanent, and that 
the reservoir, or catch-basin system, should be mainly 
relied upon, in connection with canals from running- 
streams. It would seem that both systems, or any other 
intelligent plan promising good results, ought to be tried. 

Col. Nettleton, who is in charge of the Government 
investigation of irrigation by means of wells, and who has 
made a personal investigation of the field here, says that 
“ the largest artesian basin in all the world ” exists in the 
Dakotas, and one is led to the belief from the general 
tenor of his remarks that he thinks the subterranean 






COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


45 


fountain beneath us practically inexhaustible. He says 
that the single well at Woonsocket lurnishes a greater 
volume of water than a thousand wells in the Denver, 
Colorado, basin. 

It would be out of place here to enter into the present 
controversy between the scientists as to the relative merits 
of the artesian well and the reservoir and canal systems. 
What our people demand now is practical demonstration 
and tangible result. Both plans can be adopted and 
worked in concert, and time alone can tell which is the 
better, and the fittest will survive. Meantime the agita¬ 
tion and discussion of the subject must go on, and some¬ 
thing must be done. 

THE DAKOTA IDEA. 

At the large Irrigation Convention, held at Aberdeen 
on the 20th of August, last, opinions were expressed and 
formulated by the very intelligent and well informed 
gentlemen composing the meeting, which ought to be 
placed on record, and known and understood by all, as 
embodying the best general sentiment of our people, and 
those of North Dakota, on the question. 

The report of the Committee on Resolutions, of .this 
convention, adopted unanimously, was as follows: 

“Whereas, The people of the Dakotas are satisfied that they have 
soil unsurpassed for productiveness, and a climate unequaled, and 

Whereas, During the seasons of 1889 and 1890 drouth has pre¬ 
vailed in the two new states to an alarming extent, and 

Whereas, Believing that the agricultural productiveness of North 
and South Dakota may be greatly increased, and their prosperity immeas¬ 
urably enhanced by irrigation, therefore, be it 

Resolved: That this convention recommend both the artesian and 
canal systems of irrigation; and recommend the immediate sinking of 
wells in all parts of the James River valley; and a constant agitation of 
the subject by the press and individuals throughout the artesian belt. 

That we believe that lasting benefits of irrigation to the entire two 
states could be secured by using the surplus waters of the Missouri as a 
supply, and would urge upon Professor J. W. Powell the immediate survey 
of the Missouri river for the purpose of determining whether it is practi¬ 
cable to so divert the waters, or not. Be it further 


4 6 


FIRST ANNUM, REPORT OF THE 


Resolved: That a copy of the proceedings of this convention be for¬ 
warded to Professor Powell, and to each of the senators and representa¬ 
tives of the two Dakotas, and that they be urged to use all honorable 
means to procure government aid for irrigation by artesian wells, and for 
the purpose of procuring an immediate survey of the Missouri river and 
the country tributary thereto.” 

The report of the Committe on Canal Irrigation was 
as follows: 

“Your committe reports that we believe that it is feasible and prac¬ 
ticable to divert the waters of the Missouri over the James valley for irri¬ 
gation purposes, and that this convention should demand an immediate 
survey by the general government of the country between the two valleys 
to determine where and how such diversion should be made. 

We also recommend that a permanent committee be appointed by 
the convention whose duty it shall be to use all in its power to encourage 
and promote this plan of irrigation.” 

The following is the report of the Committee on 
Artesian Well Irrigation: 

“We recommend to your honorable body, as expressing the senti¬ 
ment of the farming community of both Dakotas, that immediate steps 
be taken to urge upon nation, state, county, town and individual, the 
great importance of deyeloping the artesian well resources. Be it 

Resolved: That the governors of both North and South Dakota be 
invoked to call together their respective legislatures in special session, for 
the passage of such laws as will authorize state, counties and towns, to 
take such measures as will enable them to put into practice this system of 
irrigation. 

Resolved: That this convention heartily approve the steps taken by 
our representatives in congress to secure national aid, and that we urge 
them to continue in the further prosecution of this important and imper¬ 
ative subject. 

Resolved: That we ask the hearty co-operation of the several lines 
of railroads, penetrating this state, in a generous discrimination upon all 
material used in the accomplishment of this enterprise, so essential to 
the common prosperity of both citizen and corporation. 

Resolved: That a crisis has arisen in the history of both North and 
South Dakota which challenges the serious and prompt attention of every 
citizen to the deliberations and conclusions set forth by this convention.” 

The Committee on Plans for Immediate Relief sub¬ 
mitted the following as its report: 

“Your committee on plans for interesting private capital for irriga¬ 
tion by artesian wells, believe that with proper assistance several farmers 
in a neighborhood can, by joining together and furnishing joint security 



COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


47 


upon their property, secure sufficient capital to put down an artesian well 
for irrigating their farms. We have therefore formulated the following 
plan: 

Let a permanent committee of five be appointed by this convention 
whose duty it shall be: 

1. To lay before capitalists the practical results of irrigation in the 
Dakotas. 

2. To receive applications from such farmers as desire to club to¬ 
gether to put down wells for irrigation. 

3. To secure the placing of bonds for such purpose at as low a rate 
of interest as possible. 

We believe that by earnest and proper effort by such a committee a 
limited number of such loans can be placed with those companies already 
interested in Dakota real estate, or with other capitalists, until such con¬ 
fidence is established that capital will seek its own investment. 

We recommend that this committee have power to fill vacancies, so 
that there may be a full committee to act with the authority of this con¬ 
vention.’' 

The following is the Memorial to Congress, prepared 
by a Committee and adopted by the Convention: 

“To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, at 

Washington, I). C.: 

Your memorialists, citizens of the states of North and South Dakota 
in mass convention assembled at the city of Aberdeen, in said state, who 
have met together pursuant to an authoritative call to discuss the ques¬ 
tion of irrigation, beg leave to represent that from actual experiment and 
the production of wheat, corn, oats, flax, millet and other valuable crops, 
samples of which are on display before this convention, we unanimously 
declare that irrigation of crops by means of artesian wells is an accom¬ 
plished fact and no longer a theory. 

That to a limited extent the artesian basin or belt is known to exist 
in this state by the construct 1 'on of wells at various points. 

We believe that by proper investigation the boundaries and the 
extent of the artesian basin can be fully ascertained and defined, thereby 
doubling the producing capacity of millions of acres at a moderate cost. 
The expenses of this investigation are necessarily large and cannot well 
be borne by the inhabitants of this state. 

We therefore respectfully ask that an appropriation be made by the 
United States government to inaugurate and complete a thorough survey 
of this country to determine and define the boundaries and extent of this 
artesian basin, and that a sufficient number of wells be constructed, es¬ 
pecially near the supposed border of said basin, to thereby demonstrate 
the extent and the supply of water and its source, and that an appropria¬ 
tion of $150,000 be made for that purpose. We also most respectfully but 
earnestly urge immediate action upon the mutter, to the end that such 
investigation be made without delay.” 


48 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


The Convention was in session two days, and all of 
its proceedings were deliberate and intelligent. Every 
resolution adopted was thoroughly discussed, and every 
sentiment uttered had a basis. The resolutions embody 
the prevailing “ Dakota idea ” of the subject, in language 
that all may understand. 

Dr. M. F. Merchant of Ellendale, N. D., who was 
the secretary of this convention, has recently compiled a 
list of all the important artesian wells in both Dakotas. 
Herewith is given his description of those in South Dakota: 

“At Yankton, near the supposed southern limit of the basin, there 
are nine wells—two 6-inch, one 4-inch and six 2-inch. The 6-inch wells 
are 610 feet deep, with a pressure of 35 pounds to the square inch and a 
flow of 1S00 and 2200 gallons per minute, respectively. At the Portland 
cement works, near Yankton, a 6-inch well flows 2500 gallons per minute, 
In Yankton county there are about eighty wells, mostly for private use, 
which vary from 300 to 500 feet in depth. Water is reached at 300 feet, 
and continues to increase in quantity until a depth of 600 feet is reached, 
when the maximum results are obtained. The altitude of Yankton is 
1196 feet. Mr. N. 8. Bowen, who has kindly given me the above informa¬ 
tion, states that within a year there will be double the present number of 
wells in the county. There is a good well at Mitchell, but 1 have no sta¬ 
tistics concerning its flow. At Woonsocket one of the best wells in the 
basin is in operation. I t is a 6 inch well, has a pressure of 170 pounds and 
a flow of 4,000 gallons per minute. This well is so strong that it fre¬ 
quently throws out large pieces of shale rock with great force. The mill 
company at Woonsocket have put down a well to drive their roller mill. 
Huron is supplied with water from a 6-inch well with a pressure of 120 
pounds and a flow of 1666 gallons per minute. The Hay-Harrison well, 
two miles from Huron, is about the same capacity, and was put down 
solely for irrigation. It has connected with it a fine system of ditches 
and trenches for distributing the water. The crops grown on the farm 
last season, add much proof to the question of successful irrigation in the 
Dakotas. A well is now being put down at Iroquois, and on October 22nd 
had reached a depth of 1025 feet, with 80 pounds pressure and a 60 gallon 
flow. A well is also under process of construction at Wolsey. Miller has 
a 5-inch well 1148 feet deep, flow 1,000 gallons per minute, with a pressure 
of 125 pounds, while at Highmore, a few miles further west, with an alti¬ 
tude of 1906 feet, they are obliged to go 1552 feet for water, and obtain a 
flow of but 15 gallons per minute, with a pressure of 25 pounds. Redfield 
has an excellent well 965 feet deep, with a pressure of 160 pounds and a 
flow of 1800 gallons, while ten miles east, at Frankfort, the water obtained 
from their well is too muddy except for irrigation purposes. A 6-inch well 
at Ashton, gives a flow of 60 gallons, and a pressure of 50 pounds. At 



COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


49 


Faulkton an excellent flow was struck at 1100 feet, but in driving the out 
side casing it is thought the inside pipe was cut, since which the water 
has been too muddy to be of use. Another well will be put down, which 
will undoubtedly be successful. Mellette has a well 965 feet deep, with 
160 pounds pressure, and a flow of 2,000 gallons per minute. 

At Aberdeen two wells are in operation, with a contract for the 
third. They are 960 feet deep, afford a flow of about 2,000 gallons each 
and a pressure of 150 pounds. The Beard well, two miles east of Aber¬ 
deen was put down for irrigation use. It is a 6-inch well and has an esti¬ 
mated flow of 4,000 gallons per minute. Groton is supplied with a well 
960 feet deep, with a pressure of 148 pounds, and a flow of 600 gallons. 
Some irrigating has been done from this well, with marked success. At 
Andover, farther east, a good well is in operation with a 90-pound pres¬ 
sure. The well at Columbia is 965 feet deep, with a pressure of 150 pounds 
and an estimated flow of 3,000 gallons. Britton’s well is 1004 feet deep, 
with a pressure of 120 pounds, and a good flow. 

Perhaps the weli at Hitchcock is the most interesting, from the fact 
that from a 4-inch well the town is supplied with water through pipes, a 
50-barrel roller mill is run from the power, and the water is afterwards 
used to irrigate a farm below. This is the only instance thus far, to my 
knowledge, where the utility of a well has been fully realized, and it is a 
practical illustration of what can be done all over the great basin. At 
Ipswich water is reached at 1270 feet with a pressure of 70 pounds and a 
flow of 200 gallons. At Frederick a well was sunk about 1,000 feet, and a 
moderate flow obtained. The failure to get a better well is considered as 
faulty construction.” 

THIS OFFICE SHOULD HELP. 

This office has hitherto given much attention to the 
subject of irrigation. We have embraced every opportu¬ 
nity to collect and to furnish information thereon, and we 
trust to be supported in the future that we may be of 
service to the cause as it shall progress. We would like 
to be able to prepare, print and send out circulars and 
bulletins to our people, from time to time, keeping them 
posted on irrigation topics—as to developments, plans, 
operations, results, etc. 




D 


OflLSING. 


This office ought to be enabled to advertise, in the 
most liberal manner, the many advantages our State pos¬ 
sesses and superior opportunities it offers for sheep-raising 
and wool-growing. 

Stock-raising is more largely engaged in, and becom¬ 
ing more profitable, in South Dakota, every year, and yet 
but little more than a beginning has been made. The 
possibilities can hardly be over-estimated. The splendid 
growth of our native grasses, the invigorating air, the 
water, the comparative immunity from contagious dis¬ 
eases, the ease with which tame forage, grain and root 
crops can be produced, all combine to make South Dakota 
one of the best cattle-raising and beef-producing districts 
in the world. Its reputation in this respect is already 
well known, but it ought to be better understood. Our 
farmers ought to understand the importance to themselves 
of stock-raising. Every farmer ought to have, and can 
have, a few good brood-mares, a herd of cattle, a drove 
of hogs and a flock of sheep. This is apparent to every 
intelligent visitor, and every thoughtful observer of the 
situation and conditions. 

GOOD WORDS FOR OUR STATE. 

The eminent Prof. Henry B. Blackwell, of Boston, 
who lectured at several points in the State last fall, writes 
to his paper, the “ Woman’s Journal, ” in praise of South 
Dakota—its soil, its climate, and its people. “They are 
not surpassed by those of any other state,” he says, “but 
the conditions of the country are peculiar and need dif¬ 
ferent methods. ” Referring to the misfortunes which have 
befallen some of our citizens, he says: “All this disap- 



COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


5 1 


pointment and loss might have been avoided if the 
climate had been understood. If each settler had brought 
twenty-five sheep, two brood mares, and five heifers, and 
if every four settlers had united in buying a mowing 
machine and a horse-rake, all would have prospered. 
There is not a county in the State where enough grass 
will not go to waste this fall to support twice the popula¬ 
tion, if only it could be utilized. * There is no bet¬ 

ter country in the world than South Dakota, even without 
irrigation, for sheep and horses. Hay can be cut and 
stacked for 75c per ton, which is worth from $20 to $25 
a ton in Massachusetts. And this means that twenty 
animals can be raised in South Dakota at the cost of 
raising one in the East.” 

The learned Professor is right. It stock can be 
profitably raised in thg East, on lands rated at from 375 
to sioo per acre, what can be accomplished in this direc¬ 
tion in South Dakota, where lands are so abundant, so 
easily acquired, and so cheap? As is well known, we 
have already thousands of stockmen, but we should have 
tens of thousands. 


A GROWING INDUSTRY. 

Sheep-raising and wool-growing are just now en¬ 
gaging the attention of a large class of our people, and 
they ought to be stimulated to much larger and further 
effort. This is an industry which can be engaged in with 
small capitals The increase is so rapid, that with a score 
or so of healthy sheep for a beginning, a large and thrifty 
flock can soon be accumulated. Much has already been 
accomplished in this work. Experiments are fast becom¬ 
ing demonstrations. It may be well to give some items 
of what has already been accomplished by South 
Dakota wool-growers, as the facts have been obtained 
by this office; 



FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



SPECIMEN RESULTS. 

S. P. Edgerton, of Gettysburg, bought 400 sheep in 
August, 1888, on three years’ time, and the firm from 
which he purchased sold him sioo worth of corn last fall. 
To this firm Mr. Edgerton has sold two “clips’’ of wool, 
to apply on account, and can now sell 200 sheep for 
enough to cover all of his indebtedness, and the shearing 
bills,' and have soo head left. 

'hhe wool-clip from the 1800 sheep of C. M. Larrison, 
of Doland, netted him $3,000, an average of $1.65 each, 
this year. He estimates that he will sell sheep and wool 
next year to the amount of $5,000, and still have on hand 
1800 good sheep. 

M. Summy, of Faulkton. invested $1,000 in sheep 
last fall. The past season his wool-clip netted him $362, 
and he has sold 200 sheep for $700, besides raising 17s 
lambs. His flock, which cost him $1,000 last fall, has 
already returned him $1074 in cash, and he has 265 head 
left, having lost ten. 

Ira Heith, of Wolsey, purchased last year 225 head 
of ordinary stock ewes, at a cost of $900, and three 

blooded rams at a cost of $100, making the total invest¬ 
ment $1,000. 'The average cost of wintering the flock 
was 40c per head, and he lost one sheep. He raised 200 
lambs, worth $500, and he sold his wool for $243. 

A prominent and reliable gentleman writes to this 
office as follows: 

“A firm in Edmunds county purchased, a year ago, 
700 mixed sheep at a cost of $2.50 per head. The flock 
included about 150 yearlings, which did not yield full 
fleeces, as a two-year-old sheep will shear one-third more 
wool than a yearling. The clip from this flock last spring 
averaged 8.7 pounds per head, or in round numbers about 
6, 100 pounds. I he average price received for the wool, 





COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


53 


after deducting freight charges, was i6y£ cents per pound, 
netting in the aggregate $970. The increase.was 350 
lambs, for which the owners were offered, on the first of 
September, $2.00 per head, or $700, making, practically, 
a total income of $1670. 

The cost of the sheds for sheltering the flock was $200. 
The Hock was wintered on about forty tons of hay. A boy 
twelve years of age, and two ponies—the latter costing 
S40 each—herded the flock during the summer, and when 
turned out during the winter. One man and a boy can 
easily care for 700 or 1,000 sheep, except during shearing 
time, and hay-making. Shearing costs from 6c to 8c per 
head. The profits from a flock will be largely increased 
if they are all ewes. This particular flock was bought 
cheap. It will be “culled,” and next year the same 
number will pay #2,000 from the increased product alone. ” 

‘ ‘My experience, ” says an informant, ‘ ‘ is that certain 
parts of South Dakota—say through the hilly sections in 
different parts of the State, which never will be used for 
farming purposes—are the best for sheep, as affording 
abundance of hay. They can be put on these ranges, and 
after expenses are paid, be made to yield a safe interest 
of 30 per cent, on the investment. ( I have reference to 
an investment made by a capitalist or speculator.) A 
farmer owning 100 or 200 head and doing the work himsef, 
and with some hired assistance, can realize ioo per cent. 

1 • 

profit every year. Sheep are a perfectly safe investment/ 
in the right places in South Dakota, as they are very free 
from all the diseases to which they are generally subject 
elsewhere, and the grasses and climate are highly favorable 
for their rearing. Sheep can be put on shares for a few 
years, until a good start is made; but this plan ought not 
to be followed after a man is able to buy his own flock, 
as the freights to market would lie nearly 50 per cent, on 
the investment of the party putting out the flock,” 






54 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


G. H. Carrier, of Conde, says: “September 4th, 
1889, I bought of the First National Bank, of Doland, 439 
sheep, for which I paid $1137. I paid a man to care for 
them $180; fed them hay valued at $97.50; corn which 
cost $50; shearing $34.80; total cost for the year, including 
capital invested, $1679.30. My wool-clip brought me 
$700.85. September 4th, 1890, I sold the Hock for $1824, 
leaving me a total net profit of $845.55.” 

ADVERTISE THE FACTS. 

It is to be hoped that the great anticipations expected 
from the thorough establishment of this industry in our 
State will be fully realized. We believe they will be if 
the proper steps are taken. It is of the utmost impor¬ 
tance that the fact that our State possesses such splendid 
opportunities for the undertaking, be well and most liber¬ 
ally advertised; and of this part of the work the Immigra¬ 
tion office promises to perform its full share. 

AVOOLEN MILLS WANTED. 

With the increase in wool-growing will come a de¬ 
mand for woolen mills and factories. Indeed they are 
already demanded. At present there are but two impor¬ 
tant establishments of the kind in the State—at Sioux 
Falls, and Yankton. They are in quite successful opera¬ 
tion. The former employs sixty operatives, uses home¬ 
grown material—furnishing a valuable home market, and 
manufactures some excellent grades of cloth. The num¬ 
ber of similar factories ought to be, and no doubt will be, 
speedily increased. 







It is well known to Your Excellency, and to all who 
are conversant with the general character of our State, 
that the mineral deposits in certain portions of South 
Dakota are among the most valuable resources. 

Gold, silver, tin, copper, lead, and other minerals, 
abound in the Black Hills; granite and jasper exist in ex¬ 
tensive formations in the southeastern part of the State, 
and the gypsum and cement deposits of Yankton, Cham¬ 
berlain and elsewhere, are large and valuable. That these 
and other resources of our State are not already in an 
advanced state of development, must be from a lack of 
general knowledge on the subject. 

From the humble efforts of the Immigration office 
something has already been done towards opening up and 
utilizing the metallic stores which Nature has hidden in 
certain districts. By steadily spreading the information 
in our official publications the fact of the existence of tin 
in the Black Hills, this office claims to have been instru¬ 
mental, to some extent at least, in exciting the interest 
in the subject which was awakened in the country the 
past year. We trust that we shall be enabled to accom¬ 
plish more in this direction the coming year, and the one 
succeeding. It would seem that if there were no other 
reasons for the continuance, and liberal maintenance of 

i 

this office, the fact that it is needed for the dissemination 
of information and knowledge regarding the valuable min¬ 
eral deposits in the Black Hills, in order to induce the 
investments of capital and to attract the presence of 
labor, ought to warrant its generous support. 

THE BLACK HILLS AND THEIR TIN MINES. 

The Black Hills district is one of the most valuable 
regions on the face of the globe. The great diversity and 
incalculable value of its mineral and other resources, the 


56 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


purity of its climate, the richness of certain large portions 
of its soil, and the extraordinary development it has 
already undergone are only known and understood by 
comparatively few. 

1 he tin deposits here*, we may almost say, are unin¬ 
vestigated. Little more is known than that this valuable 
metal exists here in extensive quantities. Mines have 
been opened, the ore smelted, and the blocks of the pure 
metal produced and exhibited throughout the country, to 
confound the caviling and convince the disbelieving. The 
few corporations engaged in the industry of tin mining are 
“close-mouthed,'' and not disposed to reveal their knowl¬ 
edge and their plans. All the same, they are going 
steadily ahead with their preparations, increasing their 

capital and magnifying their facilities. Opportunities for 
other investors are plenty, and we want to attract them 
here. A pamphlet, fully descriptive of the Black Hills, 
ought to be prepared and judiciously distributed the com¬ 
ing year. It should contain all that is certainly known of 
this region, and it may be necessary to supplement this 
information by circulars and bulletins, from time to time. 
The importance of developing the tin mines of the Hills 
is of surpassing greatness to the State, especially at this 
juncture, when a great part of the American people are 
skeptical on the subject, and a greater part know nothing 
about it. 

STONE QUARRIES. 

The granite quarries of the southeastern part of the 
State, mainly in the vicinity of Sioux Falls, ought to be 
better advertised. They are among the largest and best 
in the world, and their productions are equal to the finest 
specimens of Scotland or any other country. An $80,000 
plant for polishing this stone has been operated very 
profitably at Sioux Falls for several years, and there is 
room for a half-dozen similar establishments in the vicinity. 

The cement industry of the State also needs stimulating 
and enlarging. 



Recommendations. 


1 he Commissioner takes the liberty to recommend 
to the Legislature that it make as liberal an appropriation 
as possible for the support of this office during the next 
two years. If the office be maintained at all, it ought to 
be so provided for that it may never be embarrassed for 
want of necessary funds. Its affairs shall be as prudently 
and wisely managed as the ability of its Commissioner 
direct; and every penny placed at its command shall be 
spent in a most rigid spirit of economy. 

The establishing of a branch office at Chicago during 
the World’s Fair season, is recommended, and it is urged 
that the earliest action possible may be had on the subject. 

We ought to be enabled to prepare and publish, from 
time to time, pamphlets and other advertising matter, 
descriptive of our State and its resources, and to send 
them postpaid, or in some other way, free of charge, to 
those who will give them attention, whether they live in 
our own or some other country. We should have these 
publications prepared not only in English, but in at least 
three foreign languages. 

We ought to be required, and to this end ought to 
be enabled, to send out from time to time, editions of 
special publications, calling particular attention to certain 
subjects of interest to home-seekers and investors. 

The Commissioner begs to make more elaborate 
reference to these subjects in the following pages. 




58 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


SOUTH DAKOTA AT THE WORLD’S FAIR IN CHICAGO. 

It is most respectfully desired t6 present to Your 
Excellency some thoughts upon the proper representation 
of South Dakota at the World’s Great Columbian Expo¬ 
sition, to be held in the city of Chicago in 1893, com¬ 
memoration of the quadro-centennial anniversary of the 
discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. 

1 he whole civilized world is moving in preparation 
for this event. The Government of the United States 
has taken full executive control of the project, through a 
Commission composed of two representatives from each 
State in the Union—the South Dakota representatives 
being Hon. William McIntyre and Hon. M. H. Day— 
and has, in the fullest sense of the term, made it a Na¬ 
tional affair; and although the city of Chicago has pro¬ 
vided $10,000,000 for the support of the Exposition, in 
consideration of its being held in that city, it is in no 
sense a local enterprise. The Government has invited 
the attendance of'the nations of the earth, and solicits 
the assistance and co-operation of all its citizens. 


FIRST STEPS FOR 


RE PRESENTATION. 


I his office has long been convinced that our State 
should be creditably represented during the holding of the 
Exposition. Early last summer we prepared and sent 
out a circular to all of the State and county officials, and 
financial institutions in our State, in regard to establish¬ 
ing a bureau of information, or branch office of this de¬ 
partment at Chicago. Eollowing is a copy of the circular 
referred to: 


STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA, 
Department of Immigration and Statistics. 


Q . Aberdeen, S. D., April 15, 1890. 

Dear Sir:— ’ 

the funds at the command of this office for the purpose of adver¬ 
tising the undoubted advantages and resources of the State during the 
coming year, are very limited. It is with a conviction of the great im- 








COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 


59 


J 


portance of advertising—not “booming”—the State, that I submit to your 
judgment the following considerations bearing upon the subject, and re¬ 
spectfully invite an expression of opinion, both as to the plan and as to 
the most practicable method of carrying it into effect. 

If the hopes of the people and one of the important objects of this 
office are to be speedily realized, immigration must equal or exceed emi¬ 
gration. The crop failure and its results make it especially important to 
turn South Dakotaward, as much as possible, the desirable emigration 
now moving so freely. I 

This office will continue to furnish general and statistical informa¬ 
tion to intending settlers, but to engage the attention and secure the in¬ 
terest of the multitudes, dissatisfied with the East and looking about them 
for new locations, other methods, novel, attractive and effective, must be 
employed. At the present time the outlay involved in the work of this 
office is an important consideration. To secure the largest possible re¬ 
turns from the smallest practicable expense, will be my constant aim. 
To accomplish these ends, this office must haye the counsel and assistance, 
as well as the pecuniary support, of all classes, to aid in dispelling the 
clouds of error and misapprehension now darkening our prospects in the 
East, and elsewhere. After careful consideration of the subject I wish 
to suggest the following plan of action: 

The World’s Fair, to be held at Chicago in 1893, will attract the 
attention of all civilization. It is already prominent in the mind of the 
central West, and the energies which seem to promise a great success are 
now in motion. Many foreign nations, and all of the states and territo¬ 
ries of the Union will be represented during the Fair proper, but the state 
or territory which first establishes its immigration headquarters and expo¬ 
sition in that city, may reasonably hope to receive the most immigrants, 
and those, too, of the better classes, for well displayed enterprise natur¬ 
ally attracts the best and most desirable elements of our people. The per¬ 
sonal attention of thousands can be attracted to such an office every day 
in Chicago, crowded as its streets are constantly by citizens and strangers. 


I believe the establishment of a branch office of the ‘South Dakota Bureau 
of Immigration and Statistics,’ at Chicago, would be desirable, for the 
present at least, to secure some central location, fit up the rooms attract¬ 
ively and place them in charge of a competent and experienced manager, 
whose principal duties would consist in keeping a close lookout for home 
and land-seekers as they arrive, furnishing them advertising matter and 
interesting them in our State. Such an agent would command a good 
salary, and his work would be similar in nature to that now performed by 
the immigration agents of the leading western railways. 

In connection with what might be styled “South Dakota Immigra¬ 
tion Headquarters,” the resources and industries of the State might be 
illustrated by samples of grain, vegetables, minerals, and manufactured 
products. The advertising matter of cities, towns and counties, contribu¬ 
ting to the support of the enterprise—furnished by themselves as well 
as the general statistical information of this office, could there be dis¬ 
tributed more effectively than through ordinary methods. 





6o 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


The project will require cash for its accomplishment. A sum much 
greater than that now at the disposal of this department for advertising 
purposes, will be necessary to establish and maintain such an office. No 
display or expensive exhibit is contemplated, but the office and its ap¬ 
pointments should be worthy of the State they represent, and it should be 
kept open until and during the “World’s Fair.” 

The object of this letter is to outline the enterprise, to suggest the 
possibilities it offers, to draw out suggestions, especially to learn what 
amount 4 * citizens and counties, members of the business, professional, 
banking, real estate, manufacturing, mining, financial and similar inter¬ 
ests, will contribute to its accomplishment. 

Funds subscribed to be available for this object must be at once de¬ 
posited with the Governor, State Treasurer, or Commissioner of Immi¬ 
gration. A prompt, complete and definite expression of opinion is also 
of importance. Hoping to hear from you at the earliest date practicable, 
1 remain, 

Very truly yours, 

F. II. Hagerty, Commissioner. 

In response to this circular numerous answers were 
received. All of these replies warmly commended the 
enterprise and the idea. Some of them offered substan¬ 
tial assistance; the majority, however, while in fullest 
sympathy with the project, expressed the opinion that 
such an office in all fairness and justice, and to insure 
success, ought to be established and maintained by the 
State, through the proper action of the Legislature. 
Your Excellency was pleased to express an approval of 
the idea, provided the office should be maintained perma¬ 
nently up to the conclusion of the Fair, a qualification 
which is a sine qua non to full success. 

Owing to the prevailing ideas, and the fact that this 
office of itself was without the necessary means, the 
plan of establishing the office this year had to be aban¬ 
doned; but the Commissioner desires here to reiterate the 
expression of the circular, and to renew his recommenda¬ 
tions that the office be permanently located, as soon as 
at all practicable, and maintained, fully equipped in all 
essential and important parts, until the close of the Ex¬ 
position. 






COMMISSIONER OE IMMIGRATION 


6 I 


PROMPT ACTION IS URGED. 

The advantages to be derived by the adoption of 
this idea must be apparent to all. We shall have access 
to millions of people, representing all quarters of the 
globe, whom we cannot as readily approach in any other 
way and by any other means. With the opening of the 
coming spring visitors will begin to arrive in Chicago on 
business connected with the Exposition, and we ought to 
be early on the ground to meet them and give them in¬ 
formation about our State and its resources. Experience 
will aid us, and we should be in position to learn, to em¬ 
brace opportunities, and to take every advantage of the 
situation. 

If no other reason existed, the now well known fact 
that every other State in the Union, and every Territory, 
will be well represented at this great occasion, ought to 
convince the most skeptical that it is absolutely essential 
to the future welfare of South Dakota that she be 
accorded a proper showing. We cannot hope to compete 
with older and wealthier States in the magnitude and 
pretension of our appointments and equipments, but in 
the real worth of our display, if we are given proper sup¬ 
port and maintenance, we may reasonably expect to 
“ keep up with the procession.’’ We feel sure, moreover, 
that our representatives, whoever they may be, will enter 
fully into the spirit 'of their duties and see to it that no 
other State shall be better advertised among visitors than 
our own. 

WIIAT OTHER STATES ARE DOING. 

Other States are already in the field. In the North¬ 
west, Oregon, through its State Board of Commerce, has 
already asked the Legislature to appropriate the ( to us ) 
vast sum of $250,000 to provide for the ‘representation of 
the State at the Columbian Exposition; and to this 


62 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


amount the city of Portland promises to add $50,000 more. 
The State of Washington has already a strong ‘ ‘ World’s 
Fair Committee, which has undertaken to raise $100,000 
for the use of the State at Chicago. Idaho and Montana 
are taking action; the little city of Helena alone proposing 
to raise $10,000. North Dakota and Minnesota will come 
forward at the proper time. In short, we shall have com¬ 
petition from the most formidable quarters everywhere, 
and we must be prepared to meet it; if we are not, the 
consequences to the future well-being of our State will be 
disastrous to an extent absolutely appalling. If the other 
States would conclude to remain away from the Exposi¬ 
tion, South Dakota might perhaps aflord to, and take her 
chances; but the preparations they are already making 
prove that the other States appreciate the opportunity 
presented for advertising themselves, and intend to make 
the most of it; and it is but acting wisely and in self de¬ 
fense if we emulate their example. 

WHY WE SHOULD HAVE EARLY REPRESENTATION. 

There are so many reasons why an office at Chicago 
during the preparations for and the season of holding the 
Exposition will prove of vast benefit to our State, that 
they cannot well be given. If we are only moderately 
sustained, we can erect a building, creditable but not 
pretentious; attractive but not showy; wherein may be 
displayed samples of the yields of our fields; the fruits of 
our trees; the products of our mines; the fleeces of our 
flocks; together with specimens of the handiwork of our 
craftsmen, and other articles from our State, typifying our 
capabilities, our resources, our industries, our institutions 
and the-character of our people. Visitors can thus see 
our State in miniature, and form a fair idea of its nature, 
if not of its amplitude. 

There will be home-seekers from not only the less 


COMMISSIONER OF IMMIGRATION 



favored localities of our own country, but from foreign 
lands. We ought to be able to furnish full printed infor¬ 
mation to every visitor in his own language. For nearly 
three years we shall be stationed at what shall be the 
great distributing point of the immigration of the country; 
for it is safe to say that all transportation tickets from 
foreign ports to this country during the next three years, 
will have Chicago, and not New York, for the point of 
ultimate destination. We shall meet these immigrants 
face to face, and by means of the object lessons shown in 
our building, bring them to an intelligent understanding 
of South Dakota, even if they never heard of it before. 
We shall be brought into contact with investors and men 
of enterprise, and hope to be able at least to interest them 
in the many opportunities for them which our State pre¬ 
sents. We can direct those interested to particular 
localities, if necessary. All in all, if we shall be put into 
this field properly, and do not reap a bountiful harvest of 
profit, it will be from the lack of zeal, intelligence and in¬ 
dustry on the part of the laborers sent, and not from the 
want of opportunity. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SUBJECT. 

It is most respectfully but earnestly asked that Your 
Excellency may present to the Legislature the urgency 
and importance of this subject. No other special matter 
can be of greater importance to the Commonwealth at 
this time. Every part and every person of the State is 
interested, and every part and every person will be bene¬ 
fited. There ought not to, and doubtless there will not 
be, any hostile opinion against the rising of the Legisla¬ 
ture to this occasion and properly meeting this emergency. 
It would not be proper for this office to suggest the amount 
of the appropriation that should be made, for this will 
depend upon the plan adopted; nor is it advisable at this 


64 FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 

time to suggest details, for these will come with time and 
be dependent upon circumstances. 

Great and manifold as are the attractions and valu¬ 
able qualities of our State, with all its rich endowments, 
they lack the one great quality of advertising themselves 
abroad—of securing inspection and examination without 
invitation and a previous awakening of interest. Our 
broad prairies, our fine and fair valleys, our rich mines, 
our varied fields of enterprise, ask only that the home- 
seeker be induced to come and behold them—they will 
do the rest. Our resources demand only a fair field in 
the contest, and a fair showing with those of other States 
—but this they must have. To refuse great and surpass¬ 
ing opportunities to make our best possessions known, is 
like hiding a light under a bushel, or burying a talent in 
the ground. 







Conclusion. 


In conclusion the Commissioner desires to say that 
he is painfully mindful that this report is by no means 
what it should be, especially in the item of complete¬ 
ness; but that in its preparation he has tried to make 
it of some value. In the particular of recommendations 
made, there may appear in some instances a spirit of 
presumptuousness or officiousness; but he is conscious 
that nothing of this sort was intended. He has been 
much impressed with what he deems the seriousness of 
the subject and the gravity of the situation, and has tried 
to be in earnest in the expression of his belief. His con¬ 
clusions have been reached after much thought, mature 
deliberation and careful investigation. He has limited 
his suggestions to what he deems are actual requisites, 
and he thinks they are for the best interests of the Com¬ 
monwealth and its people, whose servant he is. 

Advertising pays. Given, something which it is de¬ 
sired to dispose of, and the individual desirous of acquir¬ 
ing it, and advertising is the medium which brings them 
together and completes the transaction. The advertising 
which has been done for South Dakota, already, has paid 
more than a thousand told for the expense incurred. 

We have a goodly land—just such a land as millions 
are longing for. What is demanded, then, is that we 
shall make the facts known. In doing this we should use 
only the cheapest, readiest and best methods, and these 
the Commissioner has tried to indicate. 

As has been stated before, the work of this office has 
been embarrassed and interfered with quite frequently on 




66 


FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 


account of the insufficiency of the funds. We have done 
considerable work without compensation, and we have 
been compelled to ask others to work for us and the State 
for nothing. 

In this connection the Commissioner desires to testify 
that in the varied duties of his office he has always had 
the sympathetic and hearty co-operation of Your Ex¬ 
cellency, and all the other State and county authorities 
upon whom he has called. 1 he press of the State has 
also assisted very materially. South Dakota owes a large 
debt of something besides gratitude to her enterprising, 
live newspapers, every copy of which is a valuable adver¬ 
tisement of her character and her standing. Indeed our 
obligations are so many that we cannot well acknowledge 
them. 

Let every citizen of South Dakota be willing to do 
what he can for her advancement and prosperity. We 
have already made phenomenal progress. We must not 
go backward. We must not halt. We must go forward. 
We must make two blades of grass grow this year where 
one grew last year. Every settler on a section last season 
must be joined by another as soon as possible. We want 
more mines opened; more mills, factories, creameries, 
shops and stores; more cattle, horses, sheep and hogs; 
more railroads, more artesian wells; more of all the 
elements of material wealth; more men, more women— 
more people ! 

If only we do our full duty, at the close of the next 
decade our State will not be surpassed in one essential 
respect by any of her Western Sisters, and will lead two- 
thirds of them in the race tor enduring prosperity and 
unfading glory. 

Very respectfully, etc., 

F. H. Hagerty, Commissioner. 












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